New Christian County manufacturing facility will expand USSTC’s Kentucky operations and approximately double its local workforce
FRANKFORT, Ky. (September 10, 2026) — U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC (USSTC), a subsidiary of Altria Group Inc., has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, representing a $250 million investment and the creation of more than 200 new jobs in Christian County.
The project will expand USSTC’s existing operations on Weyman’s Way with a modern manufacturing facility, new machinery and specialized equipment. Once operational, the expansion is expected to approximately double the company’s Kentucky workforce.
USSTC currently employs approximately 165 people in Kentucky.
$250 Million Hopkinsville Project Expands Manufacturing Capacity
The new facility is designed to provide USSTC with additional manufacturing capacity through a more modern, flexible and efficient production operation.
“This is more than a new building. It is a statement of confidence in the people of this region and in the future we build together,” said Michael Brace, president and CEO of USSTC. “When completed, this facility will strengthen our Hopkinsville campus with modern manufacturing capabilities, create more than 200 new Kentucky jobs and approximately double our Kentucky workforce.”
USSTC’s operations in Hopkinsville date back to 1916, giving the company a longstanding presence in Christian County.
The company produces and markets moist smokeless tobacco products and operates manufacturing facilities in Hopkinsville; Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee; and Richmond, Virginia.
Christian County Builds on Agricultural and Manufacturing Heritage
Local leaders said the expansion builds on Christian County’s longstanding agricultural base while increasing the amount of production activity taking place within the region.
Christian County Judge/Executive Jerry Gilliam highlighted the importance of agriculture to the county and USSTC’s role in the regional economy.
“Christian County found its early success through agriculture, and that success continues to be a cornerstone of our community today,” Gilliam said. “U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. has played an important role in that success and continues to be a key part of our agricultural economy.”
Gilliam noted that Christian County is located within a major dark-fired tobacco-producing region and said USSTC’s continued investment allows the community to further integrate agricultural production with manufacturing.
Expansion Expected to Create 200 High-Paying Jobs
Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight said the investment represents a significant commitment to the community and its workforce.
“This expansion is a tremendous vote of confidence in Hopkinsville and in the people who make our community such a strong place to do business,” Knight said. “A $250 million investment and 200 new, high-paying jobs will have an impact that reaches far beyond this site, creating new opportunities for families, strengthening our local economy and building on the momentum we are seeing throughout our community.”
The project is expected to support additional economic activity through construction, manufacturing, workforce development and regional supplier relationships.
South Western Kentucky Partners Support USSTC Growth
Carter Hendricks, executive director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council, described the project as a transformative investment for the region.
“We are excited to join U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. leadership, Governor Andy Beshear, Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel, the Tennessee Valley Authority and our local and regional partners on this very special day as we join the company breaking ground on the new Baker expansion project at their Eagle One campus in Hopkinsville’s South Park, investing $250 million and creating 200 high paying jobs,” Hendricks said.
He added that the region will continue supporting the company through its business climate, quality of life and skilled workforce.
Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development for the Tennessee Valley Authority, also recognized the project and the partnership supporting it.
“TVA and Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. congratulate U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. on its groundbreaking in Christian County,” Smith said. “We are proud to partner with South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to support companies creating jobs and investment in the region.”
Kentucky Supports Project Through Performance-Based Incentives
To encourage investment and job growth, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA)preliminarily approved an incentive agreement with USSTC in May under the Kentucky Business Investment program.
The performance-based agreement allows the company to qualify for tax incentives by meeting annual investment and job-creation requirements.
If those targets are met, USSTC may retain a portion of the new tax revenue generated by the project and apply eligible incentives against income tax liabilities and/or wage assessments.
The company can also access workforce-development resources, including no-cost recruitment and job-placement assistance, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
Kentucky Manufacturing Investment Continues
The USSTC expansion adds to a broader period of private-sector investment in Kentucky.
Since the beginning of Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration, the state has announced more than 1,300 new-location and expansion projects, representing over $52 billion in announced investment and more than 70,000 jobs.
Major projects announced during that period include AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job battery project in Warren County; Ford Motor Co.’s $2 billion, 2,200-job commitment in Louisville and $2 billion, 2,100-job project in Hardin County; Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment creating 1,572 jobs; and Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County.
Kentucky also reported a record $51.6 billion in exports in 2025, a 7.65% increase over 2024.
Unemployment rates declined in all 120 Kentucky counties between December 2024 and December 2025, while the state has maintained more than 2 million filled jobs since reaching that level for the first time in 2023.
Hopkinsville Expansion Adds to Kentucky’s Economic Development Momentum
The USSTC project combines a major capital investment with new manufacturing employment in a facility that has operated in the region for more than a century.
With $250 million in planned investment and more than 200 new jobs, the Hopkinsville expansion represents another significant manufacturing project for Christian County and western Kentucky.
