PMI doubles planned investment in Kutna Hora

Philip Morris International (PMI) is significantly expanding its investment plan at its manufacturing plant in Kutná Hora. The previously announced investment of USD 40 million to launch the production of ZYN nicotine pouches will be doubled. As a result, production of this smoke-free category is expected to grow further with creation of up to 150 new jobs. 

“This substantial increase in investment, which will exceed in the Czech crowns 2 billion, is further proof of the global management’s confidence in our Kutná Hora team and reflects the growing demand for this category of less risky nicotine products. I am extremely pleased that the Kutná Hora plant will make an even bigger contribution to a smoke-free future through its new production capabilities. The investment will also strengthen our position as one of the region’s most important employers and exporters,” said Fabio Costa, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of Philip Morris ČR a.s. 

Commercial production of ZYN nicotine pouches in Kutná Hora is expected to begin in early 2026. As part of the expansion, the originally planned production capacity for nicotine pouches will be more than doubled throughout next year, while running in parallel with the current production of tobacco products. The total investment in the expansion and modernization for nicotine pouch production in 2025 and 2026 will thus increase from the originally announced USD 40 million to approximately USD 80 million. It will also bring up to 150 new jobs. The Kutná Hora plant is becoming a key pillar of PMI’s European smoke-free product manufacturing landscape. The production of ZYN nicotine pouches is part of the company’s strategy to offer adult nicotine users a wide range of alternatives with demonstrably or potentially lower risk than traditional cigarettes. The ZYN nicotine pouches have been available on the Czech market since the beginning of 2025. 

“We are proud that Kutná Hora is part of this historic transformation. Our employees are undergoing extensive training, we are investing in new technologies, and we are building infrastructure that meets the highest quality standards. This transformation is not only technological but also cultural – we are changing the way we think about manufacturing and its impact on society, bringing long-term stability to the city and the region,” added Serhan Kiliç, Member of the Board of Directors of Philip Morris ČR a.s. and Director of the Kutná Hora plant. 

ZYN nicotine pouches, the global leader in their category, contain no tobacco but only pharmaceutical grade nicotine (derived from tobacco), combined with food-grade ingredients additives and flavourings. When used, ZYN releases 99% less harmful chemicals than cigarettes. They represent another break-through alternative that has significant potential to reduce the number of smokers in society. This is evidenced, among other things, by the recent authorization of ZYN nicotine pouches making ZYN the first and only authorized nicotine pouch in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recognizing the role of ZYN which can play in the protection of the public health by helping people switch from cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products.