Local officials said they were not given advance notice of changes affecting dozens of Owensboro-based positions at Swedish Match. Still, they emphasized continued confidence in the company’s long-term presence and commitment to the local workforce.
Philip Morris International U.S. confirmed to Owensboro Times on Thursday that 48 back-office roles at its Owensboro satellite office are being impacted as part of a broader restructuring following its acquisition of Swedish Match.
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said he learned of the layoffs after the Owensboro Times story was published and did not receive prior notification from the company.
Castlen said the affected positions appear to be primarily office-based roles tied to customer care and administrative functions, rather than production jobs.
“I have not heard anything that would indicate this impacts production at all,” Castlen said. “Certainly, I’m hoping [production isn’t impacted], especially given the expansion announced about 18 months ago with roughly 450 new positions, most of which, my understanding is, have been filled.”
Castlen said major investments like the recent expansion often provide stability for existing workers.
“When a company drops tens of millions of dollars into expanding their facility and hiring employees, generally those other employees feel more protected because the company has made a significant investment locally,” he said.
He said Swedish Match and PMI U.S. remain critical to the local economy due to the quality of jobs and the flow of outside dollars into the region.
“These are top-notch paying jobs, including union production jobs,” Castlen said. “Almost all of their sales are outside of our community, which means those salaries are new dollars being infused into Daviess County. The multiplier effect is significant.”
Castlen said the County will work alongside workforce agencies to assist impacted employees, noting that similar efforts were mobilized during past plant closures.
“GRADD has a response team that works with people to help them land new jobs,” he said. “If employees are being offered relocation or a transition period, some may still land on their feet. But for our community, it’s still a loss.”
Claude Bacon, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, echoed those concerns and said GOEDC is prepared to support affected workers.
“Any announcement that impacts local jobs is difficult, and our first concern is for the employees and families affected by this decision,” Bacon said. “GOEDC stands ready to support impacted workers by connecting them with the resources they need to navigate next steps. We remain committed to working alongside our employers and our community to continue supporting the workforce in Owensboro.”
Castlen said the layoffs do not change the County’s relationship with PMI U.S. or Swedish Match, noting that the company did not request local or state incentives tied to its recent expansion.
“This wouldn’t impact anything we’re doing with them,” Castlen said. “They made that expansion decision without incentives, and we continue to view them as a valued corporate citizen in Daviess County.”
He added that the County’s strong and dedicated workforce remains a competitive advantage.
“I think companies choose to locate here not just because of geography, but because of our people,” Castlen said. “There’s a strong work ethic here, and that matters when global companies are deciding where to invest.”
