New Markets Tax Credit Lenders Invest $46.25 Million in Non-Metro Mexico, Missouri

Food Manufacturing Project to Expand and Renovate Existing Facility for Rural Community

MEXICO, Mo. (June 30, 2026) – Western Smokehouse Partners (WSP), a food manufacturer specializing in the private label production and co-manufacturing of jerky and meat snacks, has secured $46.25 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing from three lenders to support its expansion project in Mexico, Missouri. The lenders include Rural Development Partners ($20 million), Heartland Renaissance Fund ($13.25 million), and Mid-City Community ($13 million).

The NMTC funding will be used to assist in an expansion that will see 300,000 square feet of renovation done to an existing facility to open 10 new lines for the production of healthy meat snacks, allowing WSP to meet the rapidly growing demand for their products. The project is expected to create 377 new jobs for the rural community. WSP provides high quality jobs, which feature a full benefits package, and a strong preference for upskilling employees and promoting from within.

Peter Sikorski, Chief Financial Officer of WSP, expressed his gratitude for the NMTC program, and commented on the company’s alignment with the goals of the program, stating, “At Western Smokehouse Partners, we are intentional about investing in communities where we can create meaningful, long-term opportunities. This expansion reflects our commitment to supporting local economies, creating quality jobs, and enhancing the lives of the people who live and work in the communities we serve.”

The use of New Markets Tax Credit financing allowed WSP to accelerate both the scale and timeline of their investment in the region, bringing a greater impact to Mexico at an expedited pace. Once fully operational in 2026, WSP is projected to create 377 permanent, full-time jobs and aid with broader regional economic development priorities.

“Heartland Renaissance Fund is proud to join Rural Development Partners and Mid-City Community in providing $46.25 million in New Markets Tax Credits to Western Smokehouse Partners,” said Sam Walls III, Chairman of Heartland Renaissance Fund. “Our investment underscores our commitment to driving meaningful economic growth in rural communities through the creation of quality jobs and long-term opportunities. We believe this partnership with WSP will not only expand production capabilities but also help revitalize the area for years to come.”

The NMTC is a flexible source of financing with better rates and terms than traditional financing for businesses and community organizations in America’s most distressed rural and urban communities. Without the NMTC many projects in these low-income communities would not be able to move forward.

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About Heartland Renaissance Fund

Founded in 2003, Heartland Renaissance Fund is an affiliate of ACC Capital and is a certified Community Development Entity focused on revitalizing underserved communities across the American heartland. The organization has deployed over $425 million in NMTC and other community development financing, supporting projects that have created more than 5,000 jobs and leveraged $1 billion in total community investment. Heartland Renaissance Fund specializes in manufacturing and small business development in rural and small metropolitan areas across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.