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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A local business is planning to expand with the assistance of state tax credits.

Western's Smokehouse is required by the state of Missouri to donate equipment which they can turn into tax credits.  They can either use the tax credits toward income tax liability or sell them for cash.

Kirksville Regional Economic Development Incorporated or K-REDI will take the equipment and then Western's will turn it into cash.

“Missouri is not a direct pay state where they can give a true incentive like 'here's your cash' they will do it through a tax credit that you sell to somebody that has tax liability or by reducing your tax liability.  In essence creating cash for the company,” said K-REDI President Bill Lymer.

Lymer says even though Western's isn't in Kirksville, they employ people from Kirksville and plan to add more jobs in the future.  He says K-REDI also focuses on regional development and not just development in Kirksville.

Lymer says this is the first time they’ve committed to something like this but they would be willing to do it again.

“We would be willing to with any company that would qualify for the state's requirements and this isn't a one time offer, this is open to many companies if they would apply and qualify,” said Lymer.