Hemp products manufacturer IND HEMP held a groundbreaking event on Thursday to mark the start of work on its new hemp processing plant in Fort Benton, MT, local news organizations reported.  

US Senator Jon Tester, Fort Benton Mayor Rich Morris, and local officials attended the ceremony and offered his continued support for the bourgeoning hemp industry.

“We are seeing hemp production in this state skyrocket,” Tester said in a release. “It’s not only a big deal for Fort Benton, and Chouteau County, and Northcentral Montana, but it’s a big deal for the entire state. I’ll keep fighting to make sure our hemp producers have the regulatory support they need, and I look forward to watching this business continue to grow and expand.”

The company said the new hemp decortication and fiber processing facility will source material from more than 30,000 acres of industrial hemp in Montana’s Golden Triangle region, coverage by KRTV said.

IND HEMP’s new facility will create over 20 full-time jobs, the senator’s press release stated.