Thrive
Philip Morris International U.S. to open center in Tampa
The office will help create approximately 180 new jobs.
One of the world’s largest tobacco manufacturers is opening a business solutions center in Tampa.
Philip Morris International, known for developing products such as Zyn nicotine pouches, will be investing roughly $50 million in the region. The company announced the venture Tuesday.
Located at the Highwoods Bay Center office building (at 5426 Bay Center Drive), the facility will help create approximately 180 new jobs. These include roles in finance, data engineering and analytics, information technology, project management and talent acquisition.
According to Darin Early, PMI U.S. vice president of business development and real estate, the corporation reviewed 385 markets.
“Tampa continues to gain momentum and offers a pro business climate, strong infrastructure and a deep pool of skilled talent,” he explained. “This is exactly the kind of environment that aligns with our mission and the modernization of our U.S. operations.”
The new center will be a singular location to focus on business solutions, distribution operations and customer service, Early added. Organization leaders have signed a 10-year lease for the over 56,000-square-foot space.
He said that the office is expected to open in late 2026.
PMI U.S. also plans to contribute to area nonprofits. Previously, the company has supported local and statewide organizations such as the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation, Tampa Bay Thrives and Operation BBQ Relief.
“Our mission is to hire with purpose and give where we live – creating serious career pathways, supporting local entrepreneurship and contributing to Tampa’s future,” Early explained. “We’re here to build something meaningful, lasting and locally rooted together.”
PMI U.S. has invested “more than $1 billion in American manufacturing, operational capabilities and people costs” since 2022, according to a prepared statement. Currently, the corporation employs more than 3,000 people. In 2024, the company announced a $600 million commitment to build a Zyn manufacturing facility in Aurora, Colorado.
Recently, PMI has been focusing on a smoke-free future with products such as nicotine pouches and heated tobacco options. According to Fortune magazine, the organization plans to “generate more than two-thirds of its net revenue” from these alternatives by 2030.
“A project like this, with 180 high wage jobs, can be expected to generate approximately $18 million in direct payroll and more than 280 new indirect and induced jobs locally,” Tampa Bay Economic Development Council president and CEO Craig Richard said in a statement prepared for the Catalyst. “This translates to about $63 million in total annual economic output across the region.”
He added that having a Fortune 500 company presence “enhances our market’s credibility as a multinational corporate location and attracts interests from similar companies.” Additionally, it can help “enhance our local talent pool and strengthen our tech and business services workforce.”
