ATCHISON, Kan., March 7, 2011— Mike Parker has been promoted to manager of biopolymer sales at MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq/MGPI) effective immediately. In addition, Venkata Mattegunta and Chris Wagner have joined the company as research associates to boost research and product development initiatives in the biopolymer area, while also complementing research activities related to other plant-based ingredient innovations.
The new positions are being supported in part by grants provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a means of strengthening collaboration between companies, governmental agencies and academic institutions in the creation and commercialization of eco-friendly products derived from renewable resources. Combined funds from the grants, amounting to approximately $1.3 million, are also to be used for the acquisition of equipment to increase biopolymer production capabilities at MGPI, as well as for R&D projects at partnering universities.
In conjunction with work being done directly by MGPI in the field of biopolymer science, the company has formed research alliances with a number of institutions of higher education. These institutions include Benedictine College in Atchison, Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, and Kansas State University, Manhattan.
“This collaborative arrangement is a great example of how the public and private sectors can work together to explore and develop new opportunities that benefit our environment and society as a whole,” said Sukh Bassi, Ph.D., MGPI vice president of scientific affairs, who is coordinating this project among the different institutions. “We are extremely grateful for what this arrangement provides in the way of helping bolster our R&D and commercialization efforts in the unique and exciting world of biopolymer products. We are also thankful to Mike Parker for bringing his research and product development experience to his new position in sales, and to our new staff additions, Venkata and Chris, for the key roles they will perform as part of our team.”
Parker joined MGPI as a research associate in June 2004. In this position, he performed an integral role in the development and refinement of the company’s existing biopolymer products. He also was responsible for assisting in the identification and evaluation of commercial applications for those products. Parker graduated from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor of science degree in plastics engineering technology in May 2004. While completing his collegiate studies, he was employed for a time as an assistant engineer for Epoch Composite Products, Lamar, Mo.
“Over the last few years we have seen a steady increase in the demand for bioplastic materials across the country,” Parker said. “The time is right for us to make a push in this market, and I am excited to take on a key role in the development of this emerging area of our business. I am encouraged by the research being done by our university partners and believe that the materials that result from it will be successful additions to our product line. I am also very pleased with the addition of our new research associates, whose abilities and knowledge will contribute greatly to the progress we desire to achieve in building our portfolio of unique, highly functional biopolymers and resins.”
Mattegunta previously served as research assistant at Kansas State University in its Bio-processing and Industrial Value Added Program from June 2010 until beginning at MGPI. Prior to that, he worked as a lab assistant for a year in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, while completing his master of biotechnology with business certificate there. Mattegunta graduated from Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla, India, with a bachelor of industrial biotechnology degree in May 2008. He completed his master’s program at Texas A&M University in May 2010.
Before joining MGPI, Wagner was employed by Select Plastics, LLC, Fort Worth, Tex., for three years as quality control manager. In this role, he was responsible for process quality of the company’s products using a custom sheet extruder. Wagner worked directly with customers to meet their specifications for finished products. He received a bachelor of science degree in plastics engineering technology from Pittsburg State University in May 2007.
MGPI currently produces plant-based polymers and composite resins under the company’s Terratek® line at its facility in Onaga, Kan. The company also operates a small pilot plant operation for biopolymer research and testing at its technical innovation center in Atchison.
MGPI’s Terratek® SC consists of wheat starch-based biopolymers for use in the production of partially and fully degradable products. Because these unique polymers can be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes, they have virtually unlimited applications in the production of both pliable and hard plastic products, including tableware, golf tees, key cards, etc. Along with environmental concerns, increased costs of petroleum-based plastics have generated increased excitement about the potential for renewable resources to replace synthetic materials. The development and commercialization of MGPI’s Terratek® SC addresses this topic by providing viable, renewable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers.
The MGPI Terratek® WC line of wood-based composite resins combine the pleasing look of wood with the functionality and ease of manufacturing plastics. These resins combine fine wood particles with recycled plastic materials to create hard, smooth pellets. The wood particles are obtained from waste materials generated by lumber manufacturers, which are then processed to create a consistent filler/reinforcing material. The use of these particles promotes the reclamation of wood waste that would otherwise be sent to landfills and ensures that no new trees are cut down to make the product. Terratek® WC can be used in such applications as decking, furniture, structural components, indoor and outdoor decorative items, etc.
In addition to ongoing research and process improvement initiatives related to the Terratek® products, new research activities include work focused on the development of corn-based polymers derived from components of distillers dried grains (DDGs), a co-product of MGPI’s alcohol production process which is sold as a nutrient-rich livestock feed supplement. The DDGs contains valuable ingredients such as proteins, especially zein proteins, corn oil, soluble fiber, bioactive molecules, cellulose and antioxidants. “This research will provide possibilities for using these unique components in the creation and commercialization of new and exciting products for the future, while delivering greater value from a currently underutilized grain-based co-product,” Dr. Bassi said.
About MGP Ingredients
In business since 1941, MGP Ingredients, Inc. is a recognized pioneer in the development and production of value–added, grain-based starches, proteins and food grade alcohol products for the branded packaged goods industry. The company has facilities in Atchison, Kan., and Onaga, Kan. that are equipped with the latest technologies to assure high quality products and to maintain efficient production and service capabilities.