KNOX COUNTY, Ind.(WTHI) – AgroRenew takes watermelon waste and turns them into materials for bioplastics.

It could also provide hundreds of jobs with its presence in Knox County.

The CEO of AgroRenew says the economic and environmental impact this could have is a great thing for locals.

Over the next three years, AgrorRenew plans to employ 250 people. The hiring process will take place in different stages.

CEO Brian Southern says jobs will range from production workers to food scientists and teachers. Workers with children will be provided with in-house early childcare at no cost.

Southern says he wants his company to truly be giving its employees the best benefits and ability to thrive in their careers.

Southern said, “We’re a company of transformation, and we’re looking for what’s possible, not what’s been done in the past or what can we do better. What’s possible? Where are those next great things going to happen?”

Another issue Southern hopes to address with his business is providing jobs to locals who had to move away due to difficulty finding a job. With the university in town, AgroRenew could boost talent retention.

“The impact on this community is going to be significant outside of just creating some new jobs. But giving people the opportunity to move back home with their families and be closer to the families they grew up with,” said Southern.

With locals in mind, Southern wants to make this a business that benefits the community as a whole.

Southern will source 550 million pounds of melons to use for materials. To the surprise of the farmers he has spoken with, the company will be buying the food waste from them, providing more revenue to local farmers.

AgroRenew is on track to open January of 2025 for its testing stages.