SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A Minnesota company that provides commercial hygiene services is suing a South Dakota man it accuses of violating a non-compete agreement.

Ecolab Inc. said its former employee, Alejandro Moreno, started a competing business while he was still working for the St. Paul company.

Ecolab said Moreno worked as a route sales manager and signed an agreement in 2010 that barred him from competing with the company for a year following his departure. The lawsuit said the Summerset man started a competing company known as Greenapsis.

According to a press release, Ecolab’s business includes sales of cleaning supplies and equipment to restaurants, hotels, schools and other businesses.

The lawsuit says Moreno is costing Ecolab $100,000 a year in lost revenue. No phone listing for Moreno or Greenapsis could be found.