By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Richmond site to close: Swedish Match will shut its Richmond, Virginia office on April 17, with most employees offered relocation options.
- Part of PMI overhaul: The move follows Philip Morris International’s 2026 restructuring into PMI U.S., PMI International, and its wellness unit as it doubles down on smoke-free products.
- Focus on ZYN and IQOS: PMI says consolidating operations is meant to boost speed and efficiency behind its U.S. smoke-free growth strategy.
Swedish Match will close its Richmond, Virginia, office on April 17 as part of a broader restructuring by its parent company, Philip Morris International (PMI), according to a notice sent to state officials.
Virginia Business reported Feb. 2 that Thomas G. Hayes, president of Swedish Match North America, notified Virginia Works last week of the planned closure. The letter said most affected employees will be offered the opportunity to relocate to other locations aligned with their roles and functions.
The Richmond closure follows PMI’s November 2025 announcement that it would reorganize its 2026 operations into two primary business units—PMI International and PMI U.S.—alongside Aspeya, its wellness-focused business. At the time, PMI said the restructuring was intended to support the company’s continued shift toward smoke-free products.
In a statement, PMI said the decision reflects changes to its U.S. geographic footprint rather than a withdrawal from the market.
“This decision was not made lightly, and we recognize the impact it will have on our employees and the local community,” the company said. “Centralizing key capabilities and functions in strategic location hubs will help us operate with greater speed, agility, and consumer focus—driving momentum behind our category-redefining brands, ZYN and IQOS as we work to accomplish a smoke-free America.”
Swedish Match AB, headquartered in Stockholm, employs roughly 1,300 people in the United States. According to Hayes’ letter, the closure affects employees at several PMI subsidiaries and affiliates, including Triaga Retail, PMI Global Services Unit, Swedish Match Cigars, Swedish Match North America, and Pinkerton Tobacco Co.
