HOPKINSVILLE, KY – On Sept. 8, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leadership from U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC (USSTC), a subsidiary Altria Group Inc. and leading global moist smokeless tobacco manufacturer, to break ground on a new facility in Christian County, where it will create over 200 new Kentucky jobs once operational.
“Kentucky’s manufacturing industry remains a key catalyst for our continued economic momentum and thriving economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s groundbreaking event is an exciting next step for not only U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co., but also for the community and families of Christian County. These 200 job opportunities will provide a substantial economic boost to the region, and I appreciate USSTC’s leaders for their belief in the commonwealth and our people. I look forward to the company’s continued success here in our New Kentucky Home.”
Altria said in a news release that the new facility is an attempt to consolidate and modernize certain operations. USSTC will transition all manufacturing operations from its Nashville, Tennessee plant, which will close in 2028. Rather than splitting processes between Nashville and Hopkinsville, this move allows nearly all processing, production and finishing to be completed in Hopkinsville.
“This is more than a new building. It is a statement of confidence in the people of this region and in the future we build together,” said Michael Brace, president and CEO of USSTC. “When completed, this facility will strengthen our Hopkinsville campus with modern manufacturing capabilities, create more than 200 new Kentucky jobs and approximately double our Kentucky workforce.”
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Christian County officials talk about expansion
Christian County Judge/Executive Jerry Gilliam spoke on the region’s history in agriculture:
“Christian County found its early success through agriculture, and that success continues to be a cornerstone of our community today. U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. has played an important role in that success and continues to be a key part of our agricultural economy. Christian County is home to one of the strongest dark-fired tobacco regions in the world, and USSTC’s continued investment allows us to take that agricultural strength one step further by vertically integrating it into a finished product right here in our community. We are incredibly appreciative of the opportunities USSTC continues to create for Christian County and this entire region. Today’s announcement is more than a groundbreaking – it is proof that we continue to believe in this community, our people and the strength of our agricultural economy. We are proud to celebrate this investment and excited about what it means for the future of Christian County.”
Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight mentioned the strong workforce in Christian County:
“This expansion is a tremendous vote of confidence in Hopkinsville and in the people who make our community such a strong place to do business. A $250 million investment and 200 new, high-paying jobs will have an impact that reaches far beyond this site, creating new opportunities for families, strengthening our local economy and building on the momentum we are seeing throughout our community. We are proud that U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. has chosen to continue growing here, and we look forward to being a partner in their success for many years to come.”
Carter Hendricks, executive director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council, thanked the company for its commitment to the region:
“We are excited to join U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. leadership, Governor Andy Beshear, Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel, the Tennessee Valley Authority and our local and regional partners on this very special day as we join the company breaking ground on the new Baker expansion project at their Eagle One campus in Hopkinsville’s South Park, investing $250 million and creating 200 high paying jobs. We thank company leadership and all involved in this transformative investment in South Western Kentucky. We stand ready to support their continued growth with our low cost of doing business, outstanding quality of life and skilled workforce.”
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