U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. (USSTC) is planning a major manufacturing expansion in Hopkinsville.
The company, which is one of the leading producers and marketers of moist smokeless tobacco, is looking to add to its current presence on Weyman’s Way to support the growth of the business.
Increased Operations
The project involves transitioning its manufacturing operations in Nashville to a new facility soon be constructed in Hopkinsville.
The project, which is pending approval of proposed state incentives by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, would approximately double USSTC’s workforce in Kentucky.
“Our decision to locate this new facility in Kentucky underscores the important role the commonwealth plays in our company’s history, our business today and in our vision for tomorrow,” said Michael Brace, President and CEO of USSTC. “This new facility will enhance our manufacturing capabilities, improve operational efficiency and support the continued production of the iconic brands adult smokeless tobacco consumers know and trust. We’re grateful to the commonwealth of Kentucky and local leaders for their partnership, and we look forward to building on our deep roots in this community for years to come.”
USSTC is a leading producer and marketer of moist smokeless tobacco, with the Nashville facility primarily used as a finishing and packaging operation for brands such as Copenhagen®, Skoal®, Red Seal® and Husky®.
Rather than splitting processes between Nashville and Hopkinsville, the move allows nearly all processing, production, and finishing to be completed in Hopkinsville.
Additionally, transitioning production capacity from Nashville’s 800,000-square-foot legacy plant to a modern, 270,000-square-foot Hopkinsville facility will eliminate fixed cost inefficiencies and generate operational savings.
The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, though its footprint includes manufacturing facilities in Hopkinsville, Nashville and Clarksville.
Workforce Expansion
USSTC’s Hopkinsville facility includes a tobacco leaf processing plant and a dry flour plant.
The expansion project is expected to create more than 200 new jobs once operational.
“Today’s announcement is a great reminder that the commonwealth is open and ready for companies from all over to further establish their New Kentucky Home,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “This project is bringing great new job opportunities for Kentuckians in Hopkinsville and the surrounding region to provide for themselves and their families. This investment further strengthens the importance of the existing Hopkinsville operation, which currently employs 165 individuals. I want to thank the leaders of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. for their ongoing commitment to our great state and look forward to even more success for this company here in the commonwealth.”
USSTC is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Altria, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
Production in Nashville will wind down gradually, with operations expected to conclude in early 2028.
Once complete, the company intends to sell its over 30-acre campus in downtown Nashville.
For more information, please visit USSmokeless.com.
