Magnus International Group was co-founded in 2007 by Eric Lofquist, now president and CEO, and Scott Forster, now vice president and COO, and the two men have since led the organization to be a leader in the renewables and environmental industry.
Magnus strives to deliver unique, natural products and has opened several operations under the Magnus brand. The central companies include Hardy Animal Nutrition, Hardy Industrial Technologies, and Recycling and Treatment Technologies in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland.
The company has vertically integrated to include businesses that aim to create sustainable global products, specializing in natural animal feed ingredients, natural industrial and consumer waxes, and renewable solid and liquid fuels.
Magnus was formed as a private holding company with the acquisition of Twin Rivers Technologies’ Painesville Township plant. Lofquist and Forster realized that Magnus had the capabilities to produce higher-value products from natural materials. Magnus began by selling its converted co-products as natural wax components to Betty Crocker candles and Duraflame logs, and now, it partners with impressive brands such as Cargill, Procter & Gamble and Tyson.
The two leaders’ greatest risk was the four-year investment of more than $3 million into the natural animal feed industry. By entering the animal feed market early, before it even really existed, Magnus has succeeded as the only company in the U.S. that produces, packages and distributes custom, natural animal feed products for multiple animal industries.
Needless to say, Lofquist and Forster’s risk became an even greater reward. This innovation in the renewable goods industry has inspired the goal to produce one new branded, natural product per quarter from prime and secondary co-products. Recently, Magnus began shipping new, all-vegetable hog feed, and it continues to be the only distributor in the U.S. that does so.
In an industry where innovation seems difficult, Lofquist and Forster have proven that extensive research and development combined with a passionate team contribute to the success of such a diverse company. Both leaders continually welcome new challenges with the hope of finding creative solutions within their specialized industry.
Since its creation in 2007, Magnus’ revenue has increased from $2.6 million to $75.4 million in 2011, and both Lofquist and Forster are to credit for this substantial growth. They function with a “people-planet-principles” mindset, which drives Magnus to operate with the environment of a family-run business but the results of an unmatched, accomplished leader in the environmental industry.
How to reach: Magnus International Group, (216) 592-8355 or www.magnusig.com
