(KLZA)-- A large audience turned out at Falls City High School Wednesday evening to hear from Mel Badheka and Kelly Knopp, the founders of Citroniq Chemicals, an innovator in biochemical manufacturing that plan to build a plant to produce bio-based polypropylene pellets used in the manufacturing of products including various automotive parts.

The plant is to be constructed in Falls City's Mid -America Rail Campus located about 2 miles south of Falls City.

Mel Badheka said the passion of the Falls City EDGE representatives and the City administration on how they want to improve life and grow the community were a big part of why Citroniq selected Falls City to build their new facility. He said EDGE and the City provided a lot of information to the company and already had many of the things they need in place.

Plans call for the construction of a plant to employ160 workers and the building of 300 acres of rail structure that will have 10 - 12 rail spurs for parking of up to 4,000 rail cars along with the plant.

The plant will not have noxious or offensive odors and is committed to responsible water use including recycling water used in the cooling process.

Kelly Knopp said the company expects the facility will be a tremendous asset for Falls City and the surrounding area. Knopp says Citroniq is excited and that the plant bringing in new jobs can be a game-changer for the city. He says this will be just the first step with Citroniq planning to grow into a much larger platform.

The plan is for the plant to be operational by 2029.