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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company Invests $118 Million To Expand Production Center In Hopkinsville, Kentucky

02/27/2014
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company plans to build a new facility and expand its current plant in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The company will invest approximately $118 million and create 42 new jobs. The company currently employs 90 full-time workers in the Commonwealth.

The new 230,000-square-foot facility will be used to process aged tobacco, including shredding, drying and flavoring. U.S. Smokeless also plans to add approximately 80,000 square feet to its existing tobacco fermentation plant in Hopkinsville. Both facilities in Christian County will be operational in 2016.

“As our smokeless tobacco business continues to grow, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company is looking toward our future,” said Brian W. Quigley, USSTC President/CEO. “We are pleased to continue investing in Kentucky and to partner with the state for this project. This new facility will complement existing production, provide jobs and investment in the local economy, and will offer additional expansion opportunities as business grows in the future.”

“U.S. Smokeless Tobacco’s investment will make a significant economic impact on the state and bring more jobs to the region,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “The company has found great success in the Commonwealth for decades, and this expansion is further proof that Kentucky is a great place to grow a business.”

U.S. Smokeless is the leading producer and marketer of moist smokeless tobacco, one of the fastest growing tobacco segments in the United States. U.S. Smokeless is owned by Altria Group, the Governor’s Office said.

To encourage the investment and job growth in Christian County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $4.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets. The City of Hopkinsville and Christian County also contributed an incentive package of $1.4 million to secure this project.

“U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is a valued partner in our community, and we are thrilled they have chosen to locate their new manufacturing and distribution facility in Hopkinsville,” said Hopkinsville Mayor Dan Kemp. “The new facility will be a significant investment and create quality jobs, providing a tremendous economic impact for the city and the region.”

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