ST. LOUIS, March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LaBarge, Inc. has been awarded a contract valued at $3.2 million by L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems. LaBarge will manufacture electronic equipment for an airline checked-baggage screening system that uses X-rays to detect the presence of explosives or other contraband. The agreement is in addition to a contract L-3 awarded the Company last fall.

The equipment LaBarge manufactures is used in an X-ray screening system that is deployed at key international airports to automatically scan checked baggage for the presence of explosives that, if allowed inside the hull of an aircraft, could threaten the safety of airline passengers. The system also has been adapted for a U.S. rail passenger baggage screening pilot program.

LaBarge will perform the work at its Huntsville, Ark., facility. The Company anticipates production to continue through December 2006.

The Security and Detection Systems subsidiary of L-3 Communications is a global provider of X-ray screening systems for numerous security applications that include: (1) aviation systems for hold baggage explosives detection, oversized baggage and checkpoint screening, (2) cargo and air freight screening, (3) port and border inspection, (4) and facility protection. Security and Detection Systems' customer base includes major airlines, airports, numerous domestic agencies that include the U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of State, and international authorities throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of a broad array of high technology products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors. For more information about L-3 Security and Detection Systems visit the company's Web site at http://www.l-3com.com/xray .

LaBarge, Inc. is a broad-based provider of electronics to technology- driven companies in diverse markets. The Company provides its customers with sophisticated electronic products through contract design and manufacturing services. Headquartered in St. Louis, LaBarge has operations in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas. The Company's Web site may be accessed at http://www.labarge.com/ .

Statements contained in this release relating to LaBarge, Inc. that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Matters subject to forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including economic, competitive and other factors that may cause LaBarge or its industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance and achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause LaBarge's actual results to differ materially from those projected in, or inferred by, forward-looking statements are (but are not necessarily limited to) the following: the impact of increasing competition or deterioration of economic conditions in LaBarge's markets; cutbacks in defense spending by the U.S. Government; loss of one or more large customers; LaBarge's ability to replace completed and expired contracts on a timely basis; the Company's ability to integrate recently acquired businesses; the outcome of litigation the Company may be party to; increases in the cost of raw materials, labor and other resources necessary to operate LaBarge's business; the availability, amount, type and cost of financing for LaBarge and any changes to that financing; and other factors summarized in our reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, LaBarge disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or to publicly announce any revisions thereto to reflect future events or developments.

CONTACT: Colleen Clements of LaBarge, Inc., +1-314-997-0800, ext. 409,
[email protected]

Web site: http://www.l-3com.com/xray
http://www.labarge.com/