Tobacco

Reynolds American to invest $3.2B in U.S. manufacturing, innovation by 2030

Investment expected to support more than 2,000 jobs across U.S. operations and supply network
Reynolds American launches Growing Tomorrow
Reynolds American launches Growing Tomorrow. | Reynolds

Reynolds American Inc., a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), will invest more than $3.2 billion in its U.S. operations by 2030. The investments will expand manufacturing capacity and support innovation across its nicotine product portfolio, the Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based company said on Thursday.

The investment began in 2024 and is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs across Reynolds American’s operations and U.S. supply network, including roles tied to recent manufacturing expansion and innovation initiatives, the company said.

The announcement marks the launch of Growing Tomorrow, Reynolds American’s campaign that is focused on driving business performance and delivering sustainable returns, the company said.

“Growing Tomorrow reflects the investments we’re making today in American manufacturing and jobs,” said David Waterfield, president and CEO of Reynolds American. “By expanding manufacturing capabilities and strengthening our workforce, we’re building on more than 150 years of investment in the U.S. economy to ensure our competitiveness for the future.”

Performance

Reynolds American said the investments support its continued shift toward smokeless products and innovation in emerging nicotine categories.

The company plans to focus the multiyear investment on:

  • Modernizing and expanding U.S. manufacturing
  • Scaling innovation and production
  • Strengthening domestic supply chains
  • Advancing workforce capabilities and operational excellence

The company said more than $200 million has already been invested in U.S. manufacturing over the past two years as part of the commitment.

In March 2025, Reynolds said it was expanding production at its operations center in Tobaccoville, North Carolina, to accommodate the company’s brand of smokeless nicotine pouches, Velo Plus. Velo Plus launched in December of 2024.

Innovation

Reynolds American’s research and manufacturing hub in Winston-Salem along with operations in Clarksville, Tennessee, will play a central role in the investment, the company said. Planned funding will support facility modernization and expanded production capacity.

The company said it employs hundreds of scientists in Winston-Salem and invests approximately $100 million annually in research and development, primarily focused on smokeless products.

Careers and community

Currently, Reynolds American employs more than 4,300 people across the United States in manufacturing, engineering, science and corporate roles. 

“Investing in growth means investing in people,” said Borgia Walker, senior vice president and chief people officer at Reynolds American Inc. “We’re focused on building capabilities, expanding opportunity, and helping our employees grow meaningful careers as we grow business performance.”

The company said its impact extends beyond its direct business operations to agriculture and local economies nationwide. 

“North Carolina, the nation’s leading tobacco producing state, anchors this ecosystem, with farmers and agricultural partners remaining integral to the organization’s success and domestic supply chain,” the company said. In 2025, Reynolds American said it was the largest purchaser of U.S. tobacco leaf from American farmers.

Reynolds American Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the global BAT Group and the U.S. parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc., American Snuff Co., LLC, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. and Modoral Brands Inc.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Foodservice

Technomic’s 2026 State of the Menu offers foodservice strategies for c-stores

Report highlights value-driven menus, trend adoption and booming beverage categories to boost sales

Mergers & Acquisitions

Brand counts more than store count

Lessons from The Pantry, Arko and EG America reveal the risks of rapid expansion and the value of brand-focused reinvention: Morrison

Foodservice

How Arko is keeping up with QSRs

GPM Investments’ vice president of foodservice and QSR brands shares highlights of fas craves program

Trending

More from our partners