Swedish Match, a producer of snuff, chewing tobacco and cigars products, opened its $3.5 million, 10,000-square-foot, expanded Research & Development Center in Owensboro, Kentucky.

The company's Owensboro plant manufactures premium chewing tobacco products and high quality, affordable moist snuff products. According to company officials its newly designed two-story manufacturing facility includes; newly designed laboratories, a dedicated sensory test zone, controlled environment chamber storage and microbiological testing area.

"Constant innovation is a top priority for Swedish Match and a primary driver toward our vision of a world without cigarettes," said Thord Hassler, Vice President of Swedish Match Research and Development. "The expanded Research & Development Center supports our commitment to that vision by providing an environment for cross functional teams to collaborate on consumer and technology advancements."

Following the success of a similar facility in Sweden, the Owensboro center doubles Swedish Match's testing capability in the United States to better satisfy consumer and regulatory demands, company officials said.

"Kentucky has been a wonderful home to us and we're pleased to continue growing our presence, workforce and investment in Daviess County," said Kristian Lindfors, Director of operations at the Owensboro Production Facility. "The expansion will stimulate recruitment and enhance our plant's research and development capabilities."

"The new center will allow us to better differentiate our product lines and quickly respond to competitive products and new regulations," added Hassler. "These attributes will be critical as we continue to grow and solidify our position in the U.S. market."