Philip Morris International is making waves in Greater Owensboro—and around the world—with the $232 million expansion of its Swedish Match facility, solidifying the city’s role as a key hub in the company’s global operations.
Slated for completion by the end of June, the expansion is expected to bring 450 new jobs to Owensboro-Daviess County and create a $277 million annual economic impact, along with 410 indirect jobs across Kentucky.
During a recent visit, Stacey Kennedy, President of the Americas Region and CEO of U.S. Business at Philip Morris International, praised the local team and their role in the success of Zyn, the tobacco-free nicotine pouch now synonymous with the smoke-free market.
“It’s the flagship factory for us, not just in the United States, but the whole world,” Kennedy said. “We’ve got the best engineers, the best quality experts, the best technicians, the best men and women running those lines… and they’re proud to represent the No. 1 smoke-free product in America.”
Owensboro’s workforce is not only building Zyn at scale—it’s setting the standard. The knowledge and expertise developed here will be transferred to future Philip Morris facilities, including a new site in Colorado.
This commitment to American manufacturing—and to Owensboro specifically—underscores why the city continues to attract innovative, world-class industry leaders.
“We wanted to first and foremost expand our flagship facility… because we’re really committed to American manufacturing of our consumables and jobs for American men and women,” Kennedy added.
The expansion highlights both Philip Morris International’s confidence in Owensboro-Daviess County and the community’s unmatched talent pool in advanced manufacturing.
“I couldn’t be more optimistic about our future,” Kennedy said. “These products are making a real difference in the lives of smokers and their family and friends.”
News Source: Messenger-Inquirer
Photo Source: BusinessWire