By Timothy S. Donahue

Top Takeaways:

• Swisher will invest $135 million to grow its manufacturing footprint in Jacksonville.
• The project is expected to create at least 240 new jobs by the end of 2027.
• New production will concentrate on nicotine and caffeine oral pouch products.

Swisher has announced a $135 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, a project expected to create at least 240 new jobs by the end of 2027. The investment aims to meet increasing demand for Swisher’s nicotine and caffeine oral pouch products, with production taking place in the company’s new Automated Pouch Operation (APO).

The expansion will significantly boost large-scale manufacturing in Jacksonville’s Historic Springfield neighborhood, where the family-owned company has been located since 1924. The project aims to expand Swisher’s advanced manufacturing presence while boosting its innovation pipeline across next-generation oral nicotine and functional products.

“Swisher is entering one of the most dynamic growth periods in our history,” said Neil Kiely, president and CEO of Swisher. “As consumer preferences evolve, Swisher is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality, innovative products at scale. This expansion strengthens our competitive advantage, creates hundreds of local jobs, and fuels economic opportunity for the communities we proudly call home.”

The expansion was officially announced along with an economic development agreement with the State of Florida and the City of Jacksonville during the JAXUSA Partnership Luncheon on December 9.

“Swisher is an iconic company and this major new expansion in Historic Springfield is a welcome and worthy investment in manufacturing and innovation for our community,” said the Mayor of Jacksonville, Donna Deegan. “I’m thrilled to see that their enduring commitment to Jacksonville continues to pay dividends for our local economy.”

The project, approved by the Jacksonville City Council in August under the name Project Newark, reflects Florida’s broader effort to expand advanced manufacturing capacity throughout the state.

“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is the fastest growing manufacturing state in the nation, especially in advanced and precision manufacturing,” said J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce. “Congratulations to Swisher and JAXUSA for this increased investment in Northeast Florida that will bring in new high-demand manufacturing opportunities for local communities.”

As part of the expansion, Swisher will partner with local workforce and community organizations to recruit residents from across Northeast Florida into advanced manufacturing roles. Company officials said the initiative is designed to ensure the project’s economic benefits—including job creation, long-term career pathways, and increased local investment—reach broadly throughout the region.

“This innovative advanced manufacturing project is a significant investment in growing and keeping jobs in our community,” said Aundra Wallace, president of the JAXUSA Partnership. “Swisher is an excellent corporate partner, and we thank the company’s leadership for choosing to expand and grow right here in Jacksonville, where they are headquartered.”