Gov. Beshear announces 450 new jobs in Owensboro

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE) – Governor Beshear is making two stops in Owensboro Tuesday.

First, he was at the Riverpark Center where he announced a $232 million expansion is coming to Swedish Match USA.

It will add 450 jobs, which the governor says is the largest jobs announcement this year in Kentucky.

He says it will also add 2,800 construction jobs.

“This many jobs is a game changer for a county,” said Gov. Beshear.

Gov. Beshear was joined by two representatives from Philip Morris International, as well as Congressman Brett Guthrie, Rep. Suzanne Miles, Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen, and Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson.

Philip Morris officials say they are working towards producing more smokeless alternatives to cigarettes.

The Owensboro facility produces Swedish Match ZYN nicotine pouches.

Construction on the expanded facility has already begun with completion expected by summer 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.”

The governor will then head to RiverValley Behavorial Health Children’s Hospital.

Officials say he will be there to celebrate the opening of a new inpatient program for Kentucky kids with complex behavioral needs.

The ribbon cutting is happening at 11 a.m.

Jacee Caldwell is at both events. She’ll have reports tonight on 14 News.

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