'Green chemistry' start-up goes into production mode

Segetis, a "green chemistry" company that is developing plant-based resins to substitute for the petroleum used in cleaning solutions and synthetics, has launched commercial production of several million pounds of Segetis secret-sauce ingredients.

Meanwhile, Segetis last week announced a partnership with San Francisco-based Method Products, manufacturer of premium home cleaning and laundry products sold by 35,000 retailers, which will hit the shelves in March with a tub-and-tile cleaner.

"It solves one of the traditional problems in 'green cleaning,'" said Adam Lowry, Method's co-founder. "How do you clean effectively without dirty solvents?

"Method delivers powerful solvency in our products through renewable alternatives [made by Segetis]."

Segetis CEO Atul Thakrar, a scientist and veteran of the specialty chemical industry, is making good on his 2009 prediction that Segetis would expand from its Golden Valley pilot plant to commercial production. However, the 25-employee company, which has raised $27 million from venture capitalists, has declined to name its manufacturing partner and how many jobs are involved.

The launch of commercial production follows registration of five Segetis products that have cleared environmental registration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Segetis said it has begun commercial manufacture of three biodegradable products.

"Our new production capacity expands our ability to service the marketplace," Thakrar said.

The company, which employs 5,500 in Minnesota, is known in the food industry for its top-notch efficiency program, which cuts waste and invests savings back into sales growth. In an unusual role for a corporation, General Mills has assisted the Department of Administration's efficiency efforts since 2009, when Mills CEO Ken Powell rang up then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty. General Mills experts introduced the program to 24 state agency heads.

General Mills has also trained some state workers. And Mills executives have worked on some of the state's efficiency projects, said Tom Baumann, who has overseen integration of some of the General Mills initiatives into the Department of Administration's ongoing "LEAN" efficiency project.

John Church, General Mills senior vice president of supply chain, said the company's efficiency projects helped it through tough times.

"We're citizens of the state and it's our responsibility to share this kind of information," Church said.

Staff writer Mike Hughlett contributed to Inside Track.

•Susan Gaertner (below right), who did not run for reelection after 16 years as Ramsey County Attorney, has joined the Minneapolis-based firm of Gray Plant Mooty, specializing in litigations, complex investigations and white-collar defense.

"Susan is an exceptional trial lawyer with savvy problem-solving skills," said Gray Plant's Katie Bergstrom, cochair of the firm's litigation practice group. "She will be a tremendous asset to our clients -- especially in this era of increased government enforcement."

In 1989, then an assistant county attorney, Gaertner was the first Minnesota prosecutor to present DNA evidence to a jury.

•It's (indoor) golf season for a great cause. The U.S. Bank Skyway Open, benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, tees up Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24, 25 and 26. The 18-hole course, designed by local architects and construction firms, will weave through City Center, Gaviidae and the IDS Center.