OWENSBORO, Ky. -- Swedish Match recently held the grand opening of its expanded Owensboro research and development center in Owensboro, Ky.
The $3.5 million, 10,000-square-foot expansion includes a two-story manufacturing facility that houses newly designed laboratories, a dedicated sensory test zone, controlled environment chamber storage, a microbiological testing area and open office and meeting spaces.
“The expanded research and development center supports our commitment to that vision by providing an environment for cross-functional teams to collaborate on consumer and technology advancements,” said Thord Hassler, vice president of Swedish Match research and development.
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, the company said.
“The expansion will stimulate recruitment and enhance our plant’s research and development capabilities,” said Kristian Lindfors, director of operations at the Owensboro facility.
Swedish Match’s Owensboro plant manufactures premium chewing tobacco products and moist-snuff products.
“The new center will allow us to better differentiate our product lines and quickly respond to competitive products and new regulations,” said Hassler. “These attributes will be critical as we continue to grow and solidify our position in the U.S. market.”
Swedish Match develops, manufactures and sells products with brands in snus and moist snuff, OTP (other tobacco products including cigars and chewing tobacco) and lights (matches, lighters and complementary products). Some of its brands include General, Longhorn, White Owl, Red Man, Fiat Lux and Cricket. Its production facilities are located in six countries, with sales concentrated in Scandinavia and the United States.
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