The tobacco company Reynolds American announced Thursday that it would invest $3.2 billion in American manufacturing and job creation.
The company said it partnered with the media outlet Semafor to highlight the launch of the sprawling investment, Semafor hosted a sponsored feature on the announcement.
The company would invest the amount over the next four years to facilitate what it called its science-driven mission of “progress toward a Smokeless America,” as it pursues the manufacturing of “innovative alternative smokeless products that meet adult smokers’ preferences,” according to its statement.
The monetary infusion is projected to support about 2,000 jobs.
In partnership with @semafor, we’re highlighting our $3.2B investment in U.S. manufacturing—driving ~2,000 jobs, supporting farmers, and advancing toward a Smokeless America.
Read more: https://t.co/0bdnCllRmT pic.twitter.com/OW2EAzZ8OA
— Reynolds American Inc. (@RAI_News) May 7, 2026
Reynolds said it had begun to demonstrate its focus on pivoting from cigarettes by spending 85% of its $100 million-plus annual Research and Development (R&D) budget to a variety of smokeless products that would cater to the diverse preferences of the American adult nicotine consumer, according to the feature on Semafor.
Reynolds expects to become a predominantly smokeless company by 2035, while continuing to support traditional operations and its tobacco farmer network in the face of changing global export demand.
The company highlighted the role that it played in the economies of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Clarksville, Tennessee, and how the two locations also contribute to the company’s growth and development.
Winston-Salem, home to the company’s 400-odd-strong R&D scientific team, has been receiving investments in its future production workforce as well as significant philanthropy from the company, according to the feature. (RELATED: Jeff Bezos Reportedly Raising Zillions For Manufacturing AI Company That Says It’s Not Replacing Blue Collar Workers)
Reynolds maintains a large manufacturing facility in Clarksville, which expanded by over 50 new manufacturing roles.
Reportedly the largest buyer of tobacco leaves in the U.S., Reynolds American supports hundreds of farmers across six states.
Reynolds called for federal regulation to catch up with the pace of innovation of the alternative smokeless products.
“A $3.2 billion investment in a smokeless future is only as viable as the regulatory pathway that meets it,” the company said via the feature.