AURORA, COLO. — Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) has unveiled plans to invest $600 million over the next two years through one of its U.S. affiliates to open a manufacturing facility in Aurora, just east of Denver. PMI says the facility will produce Swedish Match ZYN nicotine pouches to help meet the growing global demand for smoke-free products.
PMI plans to break ground on the development later this year and to begin preliminary operations by the end of 2025. Regular production is slated to begin in 2026.
Swedish Match North America is also currently working to increase ZYN oral nicotine pouch production at its facility in Owensboro, Ky. PMI acquired Swedish Match in late 2022. Nicotine pouches are a flavored product marketed as an alternative to smoking or dipping tobacco. Long popular in Europe, they recently skyrocketed in popularity in the United States, fueled by social media influencers, according to ABC News.
The project is expected to create 500 direct jobs with ongoing annual economic impact of $550 million and an additional 1,000 indirect jobs for the state of Colorado, according to PMI. The construction is expected to create nearly 5,000 temporary jobs. Career opportunities at the new facility will cover a wide range of skill levels, including positions such as engineers, production staff, technicians and quality control. The anticipated average annual salary is around $90,000.
PMI is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., and its U.S. affiliates have more than 2,300 employees. Since 2008, PMI has invested $12.5 billion globally to develop and market smoke-free products for nicotine users. In addition to the Swedish Match plant in Kentucky, PMI also operates a smoke-free product manufacturing facility in Wilson, N.C.
“PMI and its U.S. affiliates are accelerating their mission to move adults who smoke away from cigarettes in the U.S. by investing in new U.S. manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing demand for nicotine options that are scientifically substantiated as better alternatives,” says Stacey Kennedy, PMI Americas president and U.S. CEO. “We believe Colorado is likeminded in its commitment to innovation, economic opportunity and public health.”
— Kristin Harlow