Tobacco in Kentucky: This company announces major expansion in state. What we know

Tobacco is amping up its presence in Kentucky.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday, Owensboro will soon be home to a $232 million investment by Philip Morris International Inc. affiliate Swedish Match which will produce ZYN nicotine pouches.

“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," Beshear said. "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 facility, which is expected to create 450 jobs — the largest jobs project announcement this calendar year — will help meet the demand for smoke-free products from legal-age consumers.

“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 Philip Morris International Inc. U.S. business.

Construction on the facility is underway and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025, according to a press release .

This facility is expected to allow production to increase from five days a week to 24/7 production.

The company is already hiring for various roles in Daviess County as well.

Swedish Match opened in Owensboro in 1973, and this new project brings welcomed growth to the community.

"An expansion of this magnitude creates additional high-quality and high-paying jobs, positively impacting families in our community," said Claude Bacon, president and CEO of Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. "Greater Owensboro is in fact greater because of incredible companies like Swedish Match.”

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_ .

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Tobacco in Kentucky: This company announces major expansion in state. What we know