BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — Production is expected to begin at a biodiesel plant in Beatrice later this year now that a massive retrofitting is underway and on schedule.

The plant was built in 2007 and purchased in late 2011 by Duonix Beatrice, a joint venture between Benefuel Inc. and Flint Hills Resources, which is a subsidiary of Koch Industries Inc.

Michael Harris, Flint Hills Resources venture manager for the project, says the number of contractors on site each day is expected to increase this summer from between 70 and 100 contractors to between 200 and 250 contractors.

He said the goal is to begin production in the second half of this year and to produce 50 million gallons of biodiesel.

Nearly 50 employees will be hired when the plant is operational.