OWENSBORO, Ky. (August 27, 2024) – Philip Morris International Inc. announced that its subsidiary Swedish Match will expand its presence in Daviess County and create 450 direct jobs with an investment of $232 million.

Tuesday’s announcement was also the 5th.^th According to the governor’s office, this is the largest capital project Kentucky is supporting this year.

“I am excited about this incredible new investment and the 450 great jobs it will create for families in Owensboro and the surrounding region,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “Our economy continues to set records and today’s announcement shows that we are bringing jobs to our people rather than forcing them to move there. I want to thank and congratulate leadership for redoubling their efforts here in the Commonwealth and look forward to many more years of prosperity.”

The Owensboro facility produces Swedish Match ZYN nicotine pouches. The expanded production will enable the company to meet the growing global demand for smoke-free products from legal-age consumers. Construction on the expanded facility has already begun and completion is expected in the second quarter of 2025. The investment will also facilitate the transition from 24-hour, five-day-a-week operations to 24/7 production later this year. New jobs being created at the site include engineers, production workers, technicians and quality control staff. For more information on career opportunities, click here.

“Cigarette smoking is the most harmful way to consume nicotine. We are accelerating our mission toward a smoke-free future and working with our U.S. subsidiaries to move adults away from cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products by providing better alternatives,” said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI’s U.S. business. “This investment in U.S. manufacturing capacity will increase the Kentucky facility’s workforce by approximately 40%, create good-paying jobs and help meet the increasing demand for smoke-free products.”

PMI is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and its U.S. subsidiaries employ more than 2,300 people. Since 2008, PMI has invested $12.5 billion worldwide to develop, scientifically support and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adult nicotine users. PMI’s U.S. subsidiaries operate smoke-free product manufacturing facilities, including Swedish Match North America Owensboro, which opened in 1973 and employs approximately 1,100 people. The company also operates a facility in Wilson, North Carolina, which manufactures HEETS, the consumable for the IQOS tobacco heating device. Swedish Match North America has a regional office in Richmond, Virginia.

Company management noted that the project is expected to have a regional economic impact of $277 million per year. This estimate is based on an economic impact analysis study conducted by Econsult Solutions, a Philadelphia-based economic consulting firm.

Charlie Castlen, Judge and Chief Administrative Officer of Daviess County, noted the company’s significant growth over the years:

“Since Swedish Match first established itself in our community in 1973, the company has been a top employer that many of our neighbors have enjoyed working for,” said Castlen. “The quality of our community workforce has been demonstrated by Swedish Match’s repeated investments in upgrading their facilities, which have always resulted in additional jobs. With today’s announcement, Swedish Match’s workforce in Daviess County will be more than four times what it was in 1973. On behalf of our community, I would like to thank and congratulate Swedish Match on this historic announcement!”

Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson said the project builds on the company’s strong presence in the community: “

“For the past 50-plus years, Swedish Match has been a great corporate citizen and employer that brings pride to our community,” said Watson. “We are so grateful that they will continue their legacy in Owensboro. This new investment further proves why our community is a great place to do business.”

Claude Bacon, President/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., recognized the company’s decades of success in the community:

“Congratulations to Swedish Match on this major expansion in Owensboro and Daviess County,” said Bacon. “For over 50 years, Swedish Match has been a major contributor to the economic development of Greater Owensboro. An expansion of this magnitude creates additional high-quality, well-paying jobs and positively impacts families in our community. Greater Owensboro is indeed greater thanks to incredible companies like Swedish Match.”