According to state officials, the company is set to expand its footprint in the City of Firsts, creating 35 new high-wage jobs by the end of 2028 in the process.
On Thursday, the office of Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the state plans to invest $16.5 million into the Kokomo facility and its fleet of equipment, constructing and equipping a 40,000-foot expansion that will more than double its current manufacturing and administrative offices.
According to a media release announcing the news, Braun’s office stated that the increase will a l low Mer rel l Bros. to expand its manufacturing capabilities and deliver “state-of-the-art biosolids treatment technologies to the industry.”
Officials added the move will also enable the company to “meet increasing demand from municipalities, industries and agricultural operations nationwide.”
“Across the state, Indiana entrepreneurs and small businesses like Merrell Bros. are thriving,” Braun stated in the release, referring to how the Hoosier state ranks top five nationally for small business survival. “… Merrell Bros. was founded right here more than 40 years ago and continues to invest and create new, good-paying jobs in Howard County while serving customers across the country.”
Karson Merrell is Merrell Bros.’ chief financial officer, and he said he’s grateful for the “ongoing commitment” by state and local partners that led to the expansion.
“This support enables us to grow our operations and serve customers across the country from our home base in Howard County,” he said. “… We look forward to the next phase of growth and the opportunities ahead.”
Construction on the expansion is set to begin this year, and officials say the hiring process is already underway.
New positions include senior accountants, engineers, fabricators, CAD designers, project managers and operations staff, with average wages starting at 50% higher than the Howard County average.
According to company officials, Merrell Bros. provides tailored and sustainable solutions to manage waste responsibly and efficiently through comprehensive services like transportation, dewatering and cleaning, land application, farm drainage and more.
Specializing in transforming waste into valuable resources and greener outcomes, Merrell Bros. also has offices in Florida and Texas, as well as disposal solutions operations in Indianapolis and Warsaw.
“Merrell Bros. has been a valued part of the Howard County business community for decades, and we’re proud to see their continued growth right here at home,” Lori Dukes, president and CEO of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, stated in the release. “Their continued expansion is a strong reflection of the kind of environment that exists in Howard County and across Indiana.”
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