Zyn users, rejoice: US production will soon be increasing
Zinn's parent company, Philip Morris International (PMI), announced Tuesday that it would invest $600 million to build a new production facility in Aurora, Colorado, dedicated to making the company's popular nicotine pouches.
The move comes as Zyn is facing shortages across the country as a result of its breakout success.
“PMI and its U.S. affiliates are accelerating our mission to help move American adults who smoke away from cigarettes by investing in new manufacturing capacity in the U.S. to meet the growing demand for scientifically proven nicotine replacements that offer a better alternative,” Stacey Kennedy, president and U.S. CEO of PMI Americas, said in a statement.
“We believe Colorado is like-minded when it comes to innovation, economic opportunity and public health efforts, and we look forward to collaborating with the state and its talented workforce as we expand our manufacturing presence in the United States.”
The facility will take two years to build and will create 500 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $90,000, generating $550 million in annual economic impact and an additional 1,000 indirect jobs. PMI also expects 1,000 construction jobs will be created as the plant opens.
Tuesday's announcement comes on top of previously announced plans to increase gin production at existing facilities in Kentucky to provide more immediate relief in response to the shortage.
As it becomes more widely available, Zyn is also starting to face questions about its safety. PMI says its product is scientifically backed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. The FDA's official position is that nicotine is addictive and can lead to continued tobacco use, making it illegal to sell tobacco or tobacco substitutes like Zyn to people under the age of 21.
