Altria to add 200 jobs in area
Jeremy M. Lazarus | 11/18/2016, 6:52 a.m.
Richmond is expected to gain at least 200 jobs as a result of tobacco giant Altria Group’s decision to close factories in Illinois and Pennsylvania that produce Black & Mild cigars, Skoal chewing tobacco and other tobacco products.
The parent of Philip Morris USA, Henrico County-based Altria Group plans to move production to its plants in the city’s South Side and Nashville, Tenn., adding jobs to both cities after it closes the two factories in early 2018.
Altria officials said about 100 positions will open in Richmond as a result of the shutdown of its plant in Limerick, Pa., which produces Black & Mild cigars, Middleton’s Cherry Blend and similar products.
Altria expects to add another 100 positions to its Richmond production center from the closure of its plant in Franklin Park, Ill., which produces Skoal, Copenhagen and other smokeless tobacco products.
Philip Morris USA currently employs about 6,200 people in Richmond, ranking it as the largest private employer within the city.
