PM celebrates 50 years in Switzerland

Philip Morris International on Thursday celebrated the 50th anniversary of Philip Morris Products (PMP) at its factory in Serrières, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, during 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,” said André Calantzopoulos, CEO of PMI.

“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. “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.”

With manufacturing and innovation in Neuchâtel, and at its global Operations Center in Lausanne, PMI in Switzerland employs more than 3,000 people representing roughly 50 nationalities.

Since 2008, the company has invested about CHF700 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 CHF1.4 billion in terms of human resources expenditures and the purchase of goods and services, in addition to CHF1 billion in excise tax on tobacco.

“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,” said Alain Ribaux, president of the State Council of Neuchâtel.

“I would also like to commend the company for its excellent integration and economic, social and cultural participation in our Canton.”