Swedish Match ZYN to invest $232M, add 450 jobs at its Owensboro operation

OWENSBORO, Ky. —  Philip Morris International Inc. announced its Swedish Match affiliate will expand its presence in Daviess County creating 450 direct jobs with a $232 million investment to increase its manufacture of ZYN tobacco pouch products.

Gov. Andy Beshear said it is the largest new jobs project of 2024, and the fifth largest investment project in dollar terms that the state has supported this year.

“I’m excited to see this incredible new investment and the 450 great job opportunities it is creating for families in Owensboro and the surrounding region,” Gov. Beshear said. “Our economy continues to set records, and today’s announcement shows we’re bringing jobs to our people instead of making our people move to the jobs. I want to thank and congratulate company leadership for doubling down here in the commonwealth and look forward to many more years of prosperity.”

The Owensboro facility produces Swedish Match ZYN nicotine pouches, and the expanded production will allow the company to meet growing global demand from legal-age consumers for smoke-free products. Construction on the expanded facility has already begun with completion expected by Q2 2025. The investment also will facilitate the move from a 24-hour, five days-per-week schedule to 24/7 production later this year. New jobs created at the location will include engineers, production staff, technicians and quality control. More information on career opportunities is available here.

“Smoking cigarettes is the most harmful way to consume nicotine. We are accelerating our mission toward a smoke-free future, working with our U.S. affiliates 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 plant’s workforce by about 40%, providing good-paying jobs and helping to meet the increasing demand for smoke-free products.”

PMI is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and its U.S. affiliates have more than 2,300 employees. Since 2008, PMI has invested $12.5 billion globally to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for legal-age nicotine consumers. PMI’s U.S. affiliates operate ZYN smoke-free product manufacturing facilities including the Swedish Match North America Owensboro, which opened in 1973 and employs around 1,100 people. The company also operates a facility in Wilson, North Carolina, that produces HEETS, the consumable for the IQOS heated tobacco device. Swedish Match North America has a regional office in Richmond, Virginia.

Company leadership noted a projected $277 million annual regional economic impact associated with the project. The estimate is provided from an economic impact analysis study conducted by Econsult Solutions, a Philadelphia-based economics consulting firm.

Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen noted the company’s significant growth over the years: “Since Swedish Match ZYN’s arrival in our community in 1973, they have been a premier employer where many of our neighbors have been thrilled to make their work home. The quality of our community workforce has been evident by Swedish Match’s repetitive investment in upgrades to their facilities, always coupled with additional employment. With today’s announcement, Swedish Match’s Daviess County employee count will be more than four times what it was in 1973. On behalf of our community, I say thank you and congratulations to 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, bringing pride to our community. We are so appreciative they will continue their legacy in Owensboro. This new investment continues to prove why our community is a great place to do business.”

Claude Bacon, president/CEO of Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., recognized the company’s decades of success in the community: “For over 50 years, Swedish Match ZYN has been a significant contributor to the economic impact of Greater Owensboro. An expansion of this magnitude creates additional high-quality and high-paying jobs, positively impacting families in our community. Greater Owensboro is in fact greater because of incredible companies like Swedish Match.”