Founded in 1902, MGK began its journey as a modest spice importer and miller. The company's direction took a pivotal turn in 1919 when it started investigating the properties of pyrethrum flowers. Today, MGK stands at the forefront of innovation in insect control, developing products that embrace both botanical and synthetic chemistries to meet the needs of sustainable pest management.
Tell me about your role...
My name is Robert Suranyi, and I currently serve as the Director of Business Development at MGK. I am an entomologist by training, and I spent 19 years in various R&D roles here at MGK.
History of MGK
Founded in 1902, MGK started as a humble spice importer and miller in Minnesota, making it one of the oldest companies in a state that joined the Union back in 1858. The company's origins can be traced back to three gentlemen - Alexander McLaughlin, John Gormley, and Samuel King (hence MGK). From its inception, MGK has championed a 'family first, business second' philosophy, a guiding principle that has enabled the company to successfully navigate through the turbulent changes and challenges of the 20th century.
In 2013, in a strategic decision to support its growth into the next century, MGK welcomed a longtime business partner, Sumitomo Chemical Co. of Japan, as a majority shareholder.
Initially, MGK's business involved importing botanical ingredients and spices from around the globe. These shipments frequently included dried pyrethrum flowers (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium), well-known for their insecticidal properties. In fact, the use of pyrethrum for insect control dates back to ancient Persia (~400 BC), where it was known as 'Persian powder.' For the botanists among us, the original Persian powder was likely derived from a closely related species, C. coccineum.
Spurred by these historical insights and an entrepreneurial spirit, MGK pivoted toward insect pest management - a field then in desperate need of effective, consistent, and low-toxicity solutions. Under the leadership of Dr. Gnadinger, MGK pioneered a method to quantify the bioactive principles of the pyrethrum flower. This breakthrough led to the creation of the world’s first standardised pyrethrum extract in 1927, marketed under the brand name 'Evergreen'. This product marked the beginning of MGK's long-standing commitment to developing environmentally sound pest management products, eventually leading the company to fully transition out of the spice business in the early 1960s.
{Image: Harvesting pyrethrum flowers in Tanzania, MGK}
Environmental Awareness
Long before sustainability became a widespread concept, we were already implementing practices beneficial not just for our business, but for the planet and humanity. For instance, consider our century-long involvement with pyrethrum. We have made significant investments in Tanzania, where today we collaborate with over 15,000 local growers to cultivate the flowers needed to extract the active ingredients vital for sustainable pest management markets worldwide. This partnership extends beyond financial investment; we provide essential services and resources to effectively cultivate the crop by partnering with smallholder farmers. Our initiatives not only support sustainable agricultural practices but also play a crucial role in bolstering local communities. Our choice to operate in this region reflects a strategic commitment to community support and sustainable development globally. I would personally argue that sustainability is simply the right thing to do.
{Image: Collecting dried pyrethrum flowers from a wood-burning community drier in Tanzania, MGK}
Why work for MGK?
One of the major benefits of working at MGK is the human aspect and the collaborative spirit you will experience here. As a smaller, family-led company, we pride ourselves on being entrepreneurial and focused on delivering high-value solutions to our customers. A perfect example of this spirit in action is our response to the emerging global bed bug epidemic in the early 2000s. MGK was at the forefront, launching the first major product specifically targeting bed bugs before they became a widely recognised issue. Thanks to our continued innovation, MGK now boasts the broadest portfolio of bed bug solutions in the industry.
Why sponsor New IPM 2024?
The real question is why we even attended New IPM. Despite being a relatively small conference in Swansea and competing for attention among numerous global meetings and conferences, New IPM piqued my interest.
After some initial research, I met with the organising team to better understand their goals. This meeting confirmed that the conference would be an excellent platform for MGK to enhance our visibility in the UK. We saw it as a perfect opportunity to showcase our business, connect with European innovators, and explore potential collaborations.
This was my first time attending, and while I was unsure of what to expect, the outcomes exceeded my expectations. We established several strong connections, five of which turned into actionable opportunities - a remarkable achievement for a smaller conference. The intimate setting of New IPM made networking particularly effective, allowing us to engage with other participants in a far more meaningful way than at larger conferences.
Where do you see the future of MGK?
As with everyone in our industry, we are navigating the rapid shifts toward sustainable pest management with a strategic eye on the future. At MGK, our innovative, human-centric culture, paired with our rich botanical resources, uniquely positions us at the forefront of this transformation. It’s somewhat of a 'back to the future' scenario for us. We have maintained the legacy of pyrethrum through many challenges over the past century, and now, we're poised to lead the charge into a biocentric future. As a concrete example, we have just received EPA registration for a new botanical active ingredient, further enhancing our portfolio. We envision a new era of pest management that harnesses the full potential of Integrated Pest Management, blending biology and technology. As we move forward, we're not just following trends—we are creating them, ensuring that our approach to pest management is solution-focused, effective, and environmentally responsible.