Indiana-founded environmental services company will create 35 new high-wage jobs by 2028
KOKOMO, Ind. (June 1, 2026) — Merrell Bros. Inc., an Indiana-founded environmental services company specializing in sustainable biosolids management, plans to expand its headquarters operations in Kokomo with a $16.5 million investment. The project is expected to create 35 new high-wage jobs by the end of 2028.
The company will expand its long-standing Kokomo facility and equipment fleet by constructing and equipping a 40,000-square-foot addition. The expansion will more than double Merrell Bros.’ manufacturing and administrative office footprint, allowing the company to increase production capacity and deliver advanced biosolids treatment technologies to customers nationwide.
“Across the state, Indiana entrepreneurs and small businesses like Merrell Bros. are thriving,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “Indiana ranks top five nationally for small business survival, highlighting the work ethic and resiliency of Hoosiers. 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.”
Founded in 1982, Merrell Bros. provides customized, sustainable solutions for responsible waste management. The company’s services include transportation, dewatering and cleaning, land application, farm drainage and other environmental solutions designed to help municipalities, industries and agricultural operations manage waste more efficiently.
The Kokomo expansion will support growing demand for the company’s biosolids management technologies and services. Merrell Bros. specializes in transforming waste into valuable resources and holds seven U.S.-patented systems that support cleaner, more sustainable outcomes.
The company plans to begin construction this year and is actively hiring. New positions will include senior accountants, engineers, fabricators, CAD designers, project managers and operations staff. Average wages for the new jobs are expected to be more than 50% higher than the Howard County average.
“We are grateful to our state and local partners for their ongoing commitment to investing in our community,” said Karson Merrell, CFO of Merrell Bros. “This support enables us to grow our operations and serve customers across the country from our home base in Howard County. Although Merrell Bros. has a national presence, our foundation is here, and we appreciate the support that allows us to continue expanding locally. We look forward to the next phase of growth and the opportunities ahead.”
In addition to its Kokomo headquarters, Merrell Bros. operates offices in Florida and Texas, along with disposal solutions operations in Indianapolis and Warsaw, Indiana. The company employs more than 200 skilled professionals and serves customers in 39 states.
Local economic development leaders said the expansion reflects Howard County’s ability to support long-term business growth, innovation and investment.
“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,” said Lori Dukes, president and CEO of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “Their continued expansion is a strong reflection of the kind of environment that exists in Howard County and across Indiana, where innovation, investment, and long-term success are supported.”
The project adds to Indiana’s momentum in advanced environmental services, manufacturing and small business growth. By expanding in Kokomo, Merrell Bros. will strengthen its national service capabilities while continuing to invest in the Howard County community where the company was founded more than four decades ago.
