Philip Morris International U.S. confirmed Thursday that dozens of Owensboro-based positions are being impacted as part of a broader restructuring of its U.S. operations following its acquisition of Swedish Match.
In a statement provided to Owensboro Times, Sam Dashiell, manager of the U.S. press office for PMI U.S., said the company announced changes to its U.S. geographical footprint “to position our smoke-free business for continued growth and scale.”
According to the statement, 48 back-office roles currently based at PMI U.S.’s satellite office in Owensboro are affected by the changes. Dashiell said some of the impacted roles will transition to other locations depending on where their functions are ultimately based. All affected employees are being offered either relocation or severance, along with additional transition assistance support, he said.
Dashiell said the restructuring is part of a strategy to centralize key capabilities and functions into strategic location hubs.
“[The restructuring] will help us operate with greater speed, agility, and consumer focus — driving momentum behind our category-redefining brands, ZYN and IQOS, as we work to accomplish a smoke-free America,” the statement said.
The company emphasized that Owensboro will continue to play a major role in PMI U.S.’s long-term operations.
“Owensboro will continue to serve as a key hub for our smoke-free manufacturing and operations, and we intend to further advance our capabilities and capacity at this location,” the statement said.
PMI U.S. cited significant post-acquisition investment in the region, noting that since acquiring Swedish Match, it has invested $232 million to expand operations in Owensboro. According to the company, that investment has resulted in 450 new jobs in Owensboro-Daviess County, a reported $277 million annual economic impact, and the creation of 410 indirect jobs across Kentucky.
Additional background information provided by PMI U.S. addressed employee benefits and the handling of retirements and severance packages.
Dashiell said the company’s severance policy was updated following the 2022 acquisition of Swedish Match and now offers longer salary continuation for many employees, extended coverage of health insurance costs, and outplacement benefits compared to the previous base policy.
He said PMI U.S. also offers a 401(k) plan that has resulted in improved employer contributions for many employees since the acquisition. Some long-tenured employees continue to accrue benefits under a pension plan, which the company said remains unchanged since 2022. Dashiell said all retirement packages remain in place and will be honored.
According to PMI U.S., the restructuring announcement was shared internally by the company’s U.S. CEO, and impacted employees were invited to meet directly with leaders from their respective functions to discuss the changes.
The company did not specify when the impacted positions will officially transition or conclude, nor did it provide a timeline for relocations.
