According to Romanian media outlet Bursa, on September 5th, Philip Morris International (PMI) announced a new investment round worth $130 million in its Otopeni factory in Romania. The investment aims to increase production capacity and transform the factory from a cigarette production site to a production line for smoke-free alternative products. PMI management officials stated that Romania remains a vital pillar for the company's transition to a smoke-free future.
Jacek Olczak, the CEO of PMI, has stated that Romania is a crucial component in the company's commitment to building a smoke-free future. He further added: "Our mission remains unchanged: we aim to turn cigarettes into artifacts in museums and smoking into a thing of the past."
PMI officials announced that they have invested $500 million in the Otopeni plant, utilizing the latest technologies in the field. Alor Akchack emphasized that Romania provides a positive business environment.
I expect Romania and its representatives to advocate and promote a fact in various international forums, which is that not all tobacco products are harmful, and some are beneficial to the country's economy and smokers.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated at the event that his 30-year investment in PMI has made him a significant contributor to the country's budget and has provided employment opportunities for thousands of Romanians.
However, he believes that it is important to make young people and adults aware of the dangers of smoking. He firmly believes that the consumption of nicotine and tobacco does not bring any benefits to personal or collective health.
I recently approved a resolution that calls for heated tobacco products to carry health warnings, ensuring that the public is fully informed of the situation.
Marcel summed up that Romania is the second-largest alternative smoking products exporter after Poland, alongside Germany.
According to reports, a $600 million investment that began in 2017 has transformed PMI's Otopeni factory into a high-level production facility for IQOS heated tobacco products. Company data indicates that $500 million has already been invested in developing production capacity, employee training, and implementing sustainable solutions. An additional $100 million will be invested in 2022-2023 to expand the production capacity of IQOS consumables for both domestic and international markets.
According to PMI, the company has created over 1500 new job positions through its supply chain, with the Otopeni factory alone employing more than 1200 employees.
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