Zyn users, rejoice: Production is about to ramp up in the US
Philip Morris International (PMI), Zyn’s parent company, announced Tuesday that it will invest $600 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Aurora, Colorado, dedicated to producing the popular nicotine pouches.
The move comes after Zyn experienced supply shortages across the country due to its incredible success.
“PMI and its U.S. affiliates are accelerating their mission to keep adult smokers off cigarettes in the U.S. by investing in new U.S. manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for nicotine options that are scientifically proven to be better alternatives,” PMI Americas President and U.S. CEO Stacey Kennedy said in a statement.
“We believe Colorado shares our commitment to innovation, economic opportunity and public health, and we are excited to work with the state and its talented workforce as we expand our manufacturing presence in the U.S.”
The facility will be built over two years, creating 500 direct jobs with an average annual wage of $90,000, with an ongoing annual economic impact of $550 million and an additional 1,000 indirect jobs. PMI also estimates 1,000 construction jobs will be created once the plant is operational.
Tuesday’s announcement follows previously stated plans to increase Zyn production at an existing facility in Kentucky to provide faster relief to address the shortage.
Amid its widespread use, Zyn has also begun to face questions about its safety. PMI says its product is scientifically supported as a better alternative to traditional cigarettes. The FDA’s official position is that nicotine is addictive and can lead to continued tobacco use, and that all tobacco products or tobacco alternatives like Zyn are illegal to sell to users under 21.
