Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Demilitarization Solutions in Elk River, MN
Since 1996, Gradient Technology has been a trusted small business dedicated to developing advanced processes and equipment for the safe production and demilitarization of military munitions and energetic compounds. Founded by Duane Goetsch, our journey began in 1994 with a focus on chemical engineering research for the U.S. Defense Industry, evolving into a leader in demilitarization solutions. Headquartered in Elk River, MN, with a field operations team in Indiana, we deliver innovative, environmentally responsible technologies that address complex defense and hazardous material challenges.Our expertise spans chemical and mechanical engineering, automation, and hazardous waste management, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense, ATF, EPA, and OSHA standards. With controlled-access facilities and a flexible organizational structure, we integrate into programs at any lifecycle stage, providing tailored technical support from project initiation to completion. Our 20+ years of experience supporting military contracts has solidified our reputation for safety, operational excellence, and cutting-edge R&D capabilities.
Services
Demilitarization
Engineering
Custom Fabrication
Operations Research
Biofuels Research
Chemical Processes
Hazardous Facility Decommissioning
Underwater Remediation
Pilot Plant Development
Automation Systems
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in demilitarization R&D and production for the U.S. Defense Industry
- Our patented high-pressure waterjet technology enables safe ordnance processing
- Our technical team includes certified explosive safety and ordnance disposal experts
- We maintain controlled-access facilities meeting Department of Defense standards
- Our engineers hold expertise in chemical, mechanical, and automation disciplines
Associations and certifications
- Tibbetts Award
Services
Demilitarization
Our demilitarization services focus on environmentally responsible disposal of military ordnance using patented high-pressure waterjet technology. We provide complete systems for explosive D demil, UXO remediation, and underwater ordnance processing. Solutions include facility design, equipment fabrication, and on-site operational support while maintaining strict safety protocols and environmental compliance.
Engineering
Our engineering services cover chemical process development, machine automation, and hazards analysis for high-risk environments. We deliver complete systems from concept through fabrication, including process flow diagrams, safety analyses, and integration of commercial and custom equipment. Expertise includes energetic materials handling and compliance with military safety standards.
Custom Fabrication
Our 17,000 sq ft fabrication facility produces specialized equipment for hazardous environments, including pressure vessels and control systems. We offer complete integration of mechanical, chemical, and control components with UL 508-compliant panels. Services include precision cutting with CNC waterjet tables and ASME code-compliant vessel construction.
Operations Research
We conduct applied research from bench-scale to pilot plants for energetic materials processing and renewable energy applications. Our facilities include dedicated research labs for waterjet technology testing, chemical analysis, and biomass torrefaction research. We develop scalable solutions with comprehensive data analysis and process modeling.
Biofuels
Our biofuels research focuses on lignocellulosic biomass torrefaction and gasification technologies. We develop moving bed reactor systems that improve biomass energy density while maintaining material consistency. Partnering with academic institutions, we create pilot-scale solutions for renewable chemical production and power generation applications.
People
Eric Haehn
President & Chief Executive Officer
Leading Gradient Technology's strategic vision, Eric Haehn brings extensive executive leadership experience in technical operations and business development for defense applications.
Dr. Steve Schmit
Chief Technology Officer
As CTO, Dr. Steve Schmit directs technical innovation in demilitarization systems and hazardous material processing technologies for Gradient Technology's defense sector programs.
Ryan Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan Smith oversees daily operations and project execution, ensuring efficient implementation of Gradient Technology's engineering and demilitarization solutions across multiple facilities.
Neil Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
Neil Johnson manages financial strategy and resource allocation for Gradient Technology, supporting growth in defense contracting and technical services.
Questions
What specialized demilitarization technologies do you offer?
We utilize patented high-pressure waterjet technology for safe ordnance processing and develop integrated systems for explosive D demilitarization, UXO remediation, and underwater ordnance treatment.
How do you ensure safety in hazardous operations?
Our systems incorporate automation to remove personnel from danger zones, with comprehensive hazards analyses conducted according to MIL-STD-882 and independent third-party reviews.
Can you handle international defense projects?
Yes, we've executed contracts for European military entities and maintain compliance with U.S. export regulations for defense technology transfers.
Do you provide complete system integration?
We offer full lifecycle support from concept design through fabrication, installation, commissioning, and ongoing operational support for defense technology systems.
What biofuels research capabilities exist?
Our torrefaction research focuses on converting underutilized wood species into energy-dense biofuels using moving bed reactor technology with superheated steam processing.
How do you maintain environmental compliance?
Our processes prioritize environmentally sound solutions with waste minimization and resource recovery, meeting EPA and military environmental regulatory requirements.
