Gov. Andy Beshear revealed that Philip Morris International Inc.’s affiliate, Swedish Match, which produces ZYN Nicotine Pouches will expand to a facility in Owensboro, Kentucky according to the Courier Journal. 

In a press release by Gov. Beshear on Tuesday, Aug. 27, the Daviess County facility will create “450 direct jobs with $232 million investment.”

This will allow the facilities to expand from a five-day-a-week schedule to 24/7 operations according to the Courier Journal.

“An expansion of this magnitude creates additional high-quality and high-paying jobs, positively impacting families in our community,” Claude Bacon, CEO and president of Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation said. 

Although ZYN Nicotine Patches are not a smokable product, students are worried about how this might affect the habits of students around UK’s campus with having a facility in the state. 

“I feel like it will definitely promote some unhealthy habits and there will be a lot more distribution of nicotine around,” freshman Samuel Colvirion said. 

Stacy Kennedy, the CEO of Philip Morris International Inc. said the pouches can lead to a “smoke-free future” according to the press release. 

“Smoking cigarettes is the most harmful way to consume nicotine. We are accelerating our mission toward a smoke-free future, working with our U.S. affiliates to move adults away from cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products by providing better alternatives,” Kennedy said. 

University of Kentucky junior, Grant Wood, was unaware of the addition to the facility and highlighted the “ZYN shortage” that took place during the summer due to popularity. 

“(The addition) is not surprising, but I am glad to be hearing about it,” Wood said. 

The construction has started on the facility and is projected to be completed by the end of June  2025.