PMI Launches Mass Production of ZYN at $600M Aurora Manufacturing Hub

Key Points

• PMI has begun production at a $600 million, 600,000-square-foot ZYN facility in Aurora, Colorado.

• The plant is expected to employ 500 workers and represents PMI’s second U.S. ZYN manufacturing site.

• ZYN sales have grown at triple-digit rates, driving the need for expanded domestic production capacity.

• State and local authorities approved financial incentives as the project is expected to generate significant economic impact.

2Firsts, February 21, 2026 

According to The Denver Post, Philip Morris International has commenced mass production of ZYN nicotine pouches at a newly developed manufacturing facility in Aurora, Colorado.

The 600,000-square-foot plant represents a $600 million capital investment by PMI through its Swedish Match subsidiary. The facility is one of three ZYN production sites in the United States and follows the company’s Owensboro, Kentucky, plant.

Approximately 120 employees have been hired as production ramps up, with total employment expected to reach 500 positions. Average annual wages are projected at $90,000. The site is designed with largely automated production lines, where nicotine is blended with plant-based fillers and flavorings before being portioned, weighed, sealed and packaged through high-speed machinery.

Wendy Mitchell, president and CEO of the Aurora Economic Development Council, said the project is expected to generate approximately $550 million in annual economic benefits and support around 1,000 indirect jobs beyond the 500 direct positions. Aurora approved $7.1 million in tax rebates for PMI, while the Colorado Economic Development Commission and Adams County also approved incentives.

Construction and commissioning are progressing in phases, with around 800 construction workers involved in completing remaining sections of the plant. PMI said the expansion was driven by strong demand growth, with ZYN sales increasing at triple-digit rates in recent years and the brand estimated to hold 70% to 80% of the U.S. nicotine pouch market.

Aurora approved $7.1 million in tax rebates, while the Colorado Economic Development Commission authorized $4.5 million in job growth tax credits and Adams County approved additional incentives. Local officials estimate the facility could generate approximately $550 million in annual economic benefits and support around 1,000 indirect jobs.

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized ZYN as the first nicotine pouch cleared for marketing in the United States, stating it is “appropriate for the protection of public health,” though not formally approved.

PMI said it requires retailers to verify buyer age and conducts compliance checks to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations.

(cover image source: The Denver Pos)