PE-backed RF Biocidics names new VP of operations

RF Biocidics, which is backed by Allied Minds, said Monday that it has hired Erik Smitt as vice president of operations. Based in Vacaville, Calif., RF Biocidics provides a chemical-free alternative for disinfection and disinfestation of food and other commodities.

PRESS RELEASE

VACAVILLE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RF Biocidics, a leading food safety company that provides an environmentally friendly and chemical-free alternative for disinfection and disinfestation, announced today that Erik Smitt has joined as Vice President of Operations.
Smitt brings more than 30 years of management and operations experience in the food industry, having overseen manufacturing for leading food brands including Weetabix North America, ConAgra and Crider, Inc. Throughout his career, Smitt focused on improving processes through training, standardization and employee involvement, resulting in quality improvements and cost savings at all of the plants where he held positions. Smitt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and is a certified instructor in several courses on managing teams and processes.
“Erik brings a collaborative, team-centered approach that motivates everyone to strive for the highest quality outcome,” said Craig Powell, Chief Executive Officer of RF Biocidics. “He understands that to be a success in our industry requires a commitment to being a true partner to our customers, and providing them with exceptional service.”
RF Biocidics manufactures equipment that provides an environmentally friendly and chemical-free treatment system designed to eliminate food-related pathogens, pests and fungi. The RF Biocidics system achieves reliable pathogen control, high throughput efficiency, and cost-effective performance with no change to sensory, nutritional or functional values. It surpasses well beyond the requirements for food safety in the United States, and does so with minimal to no degradation of the sensory and quality characteristics of the commodity, such as the flavor, color, texture or skin integrity.
“Food safety is becoming a more prevalent issue in our society, globally,” said Smitt. “RF Biocidics offers an innovative approach that improves the safety of our food supply while maintaining the quality of taste and texture.”
Based in Vacaville, California, RF Biocidics is a subsidiary of private investment company Allied Minds.
About RF Biocidics
RF Biocidics is a fast-growing company providing an environmentally friendly, chemical-free alternative for disinfection (pasteurization) and disinfestation of food and other commodities. This novel, organic treatment system has a broad range of applications, including food safety, agriculture, import/export compliance, and wood and wastewater treatment. RF Biocidics designs, develops and operates treatment systems on behalf of its customers worldwide. RF Biocidics is an Allied Minds company headquartered in California. www.rfbiocidics.com
About Allied Minds
Allied Minds is a U.S. investment firm that deploys private equity to form, fund, manage and build start-ups based on early-stage technologies developed at renowned U.S. universities and federal research institutions. Allied Minds serves as a diversified holding company that supports its businesses with capital, management and shared services and is the premier investment firm to utilize this novel and fully integrated approach to technology commercialization. www.alliedminds.com