PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Plattsmouth couple has launched three separate companies to capitalize on every aspect of hops, from growing the crop to processing and packaging it.

Bruce and Annette Wiles celebrated Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at their Nebraska Hop Yards. It’s on the site of a former golf club along U.S. Highway 75.

The couple is investing $3.5 million in site improvements, construction of hops harvesting, drying and pelletizing operation and other buildings and equipment. The project is expected to create as many as 20 jobs.

Lt. Gov. Mike Foley attended the ceremony and said developing the crop strengthens the state’s agribusiness profile. He called the Wiles’ efforts an “exciting venture,” adding that the state was happy to pitch in with a $50,000 grant to help get them started.