Aug. 25, 2009 (Business Wire) -- MBI, a Michigan bio-based technology company, has expanded its team by adding two experienced managers to its world-class de-risking operation.
David Jones has joined MBI as Senior Vice President in charge of business development and commercialization. Jones most recently was Director of Bio-products at Ashland Inc., a global chemical company, where he transitioned early-stage technologies to the chemical market. Previous career roles at Ashland, BASF and BP helped Jones develop his expertise as a chemist, marketing professional and global business director.
Jones sees MBI as a unique opportunity. "Right away, I recognized the niche MBI occupies in the bio-based technology market," states Jones. "Every bio-based chemical and fuel company can take advantage of MBI’s de-risking and scale up services. Once the uncertainties associated with early technological developments are addressed via de-risking, a large chemical company is better positioned to make product-related investment decisions. Small start-up technology businesses can leverage MBI’s expertise and large scale facilities, which would be difficult and time consuming to replicate.”
Dr. Jim Wynn has joined MBI as Director of Process Development and Integration where he will lead a team of talented and experienced scientists in collaborative de-risking operations. Wynn comes to MBI from Martek Biosciences where he was a principal scientist and project leader. His responsibilities included the microbial process development for arachidonic acid, a nutritional product, and the development of fungal and algal processes for specialty products.
"From the moment I met the team, I was impressed by their collaborative approach to solving problems with academic and industrial partners," states Wynn. "There are very few places where a process can be developed and scaled from a test tube all the way to a 3800 liter fermentation tank in a single facility."
Bobby Bringi, MBI’s President and CEO, says, “The service we provide is de-risking. The addition of David and Jim expands our ability to service partners in both universities and industry, helping to bridge the gap between research and commercial applications.” Bringi further states, “MBI is strategically aligned with Michigan State University and together we plan to shape the emerging bio-industry into a growing, job creating, economic engine.”
About MBI
MBI partners with universities and companies involved in sustainable technologies to bridge the gap between research and commercial applications. With over 25 years experience in fermentation technologies and process scale-up, MBI bundles a full spectrum of science, engineering, operational, and business expertise with an integrated infrastructure from laboratory bench to pilot-plant. MBI’s focus is the area of Industrial or White Biotechnology, which refers to the production of fuels, chemicals, polymers, proteins and other materials from renewable resources. Please visit www.mbi.org for more information.
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