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Philip Morris Products S.A. Celebrates 50 Years of History in Switzerland


Neuchâtel, Switzerland – WEBWIRE

Philip Morris International (PMI) today celebrated the 50th anniversary of Philip Morris Products S.A. (PMP SA) at their historic factory site in Serrières, Neuchâtel, Switzerland at an event attended by cantonal and local officials from Neuchâtel and Vaud.

“We are extremely happy to celebrate 50 years in Switzerland, notably here in Neuchâtel, where the PMP SA factory was founded in 1964. I am particularly grateful to our employees, business partners and the communities of Neuchâtel and Lausanne, who have always been an integral part of our success. We are proud of this track record which we look forward to continuing in the future,” stated André Calantzopoulos, CEO of Philip Morris International. “Few companies can take pride in such a history, growing from the family-owned Fabriques de Tabac Reunies founded in 1925, to a manufacturing facility at the forefront of technology, production quality, industrial development and innovation, now standing next to our global R&D Center.”

“The 50th anniversary of Philip Morris in Neuchâtel highlights the heritage of one of the largest international companies in our region – proof that Switzerland, and particularly Neuchâtel, offers a positive environment for economic development. I would also like to commend the company for its excellent integration and economic, social and cultural participation in our Canton,” stated Alain Ribaux, President of the State Council of Neuchâtel.

With manufacturing and innovation in Neuchâtel, and at its global Operations Center in Lausanne, PMI in Switzerland employs over 3000 people representing roughly 50 nationalities. Since 2008, the company has invested approximately CHF 700 million in Switzerland, primarily in its global R&D Center. On an annual basis, PMI’s activities in Switzerland represent an economic impact of more than CHF 1.4 billion in terms of human resources expenditures and the purchase of goods and services, in addition to CHF 1 billion in excise tax on tobacco.

The company’s 50th anniversary celebrations will conclude on Saturday with a special event for employees and their families, as well as retired staff, all of whom have helped in making PMP SA a contributor to the Swiss economy.

The History of PMP SA:

The PMI story in Neuchâtel began in 1963, when it purchased the family business Fabriques de Tabac Réunies, or “FTR”. This company began to manufacture PMI’s flagship brand Marlboro cigarettes under licence in 1957. The Neuchâtel factory was the group’s first manufacturing site outside of the United States. It became the center of excellence where employees for future factories from across the globe received their training.

The business growth of the Serrières factory accelerated with major investments made in order to manufacture products in optimum conditions. Throughout the last half century, PMI’s activities and investments in Neuchâtel were strengthened with the manufacturing of cigarettes for both Swiss and Export markets, and in the fields of Research and Development, Engineering, Industrial Development and Products.

Local community support:

One of PMI’s fundamental principles is to support the community in which its employees live and work. The company is known for its charitable, social and cultural support of charities such as Caritas Neuchâtel, Cartons du Coeur Vaud and Neuchâtel, and the Vaud Red Cross, as well as various museums and the Neuchâtel wine harvest celebrations. Today, over 20 positions within the factory are dedicated to people with disabilities as part of the Alfaset association’s program.



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