Philip Morris International (PMI) is significantly boosting its presence in Owensboro, Kentucky, with a major expansion of its Swedish Match affiliate’s facility. The investment, announced today, will see the addition of 450 new jobs at the plant, a move set to enhance the company’s capacity to meet growing demand for smoke-free products.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear hailed the expansion, stating, “Philip Morris International’s Swedish Match affiliate has been a key partner and job creator in our region. This new investment is a testament to our thriving economy, bringing 450 new job opportunities to Owensboro and beyond. I congratulate the company for its continued commitment to Kentucky.”
The expansion involves a substantial increase in production space and a shift to a 24-hour, seven-day work schedule by the fourth quarter of this year. This operational upgrade is expected to boost the plant’s output to approximately 900 million cans annually by 2025. The construction phase alone will create nearly 2,800 jobs and generate an estimated $414 million in economic impact.
Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI’s U.S. operations, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing a smoke-free future. “Our mission is to move adults away from traditional cigarettes and provide better alternatives. This expansion will not only increase our manufacturing capacity but also support good-paying jobs in Kentucky.”
The Owensboro facility, which currently employs about 1,100 people, is integral to PMI’s strategy of expanding its smoke-free product range. The new jobs will span various skill levels, including engineering, production, and quality control.
This expansion follows PMI’s recent announcement of a $600 million investment in a new nicotine pouch manufacturing plant in Aurora, Colorado. Together, these initiatives aim to meet the rising demand for ZYN nicotine pouches and other smoke-free products.
Since acquiring Swedish Match AB in late 2022, PMI has focused on developing and commercialising smoke-free alternatives. Swedish Match’s ZYN pouches, a leading product in this category, are designed for adult consumers seeking alternatives to traditional tobacco products.
PMI is also committed to responsible marketing practices, ensuring that its products are marketed only to adults aged 21 and over. The company has invested $12.5 billion globally in the development of smoke-free products and continues to support charitable causes and community initiatives in Kentucky.
For more information on job opportunities at the Owensboro facility, visit the company’s career page.
