Expansion Management

Digital Vapor Cigarettes to be Manufactured in Tobaccoville, North Carolina

May 27, 2014

Production of R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co.'s VUSE will create 200 new jobs and is part of the plan to increased production of the e-cigarette set to soon be distributed nationally.

Adrienne Selko

R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. announced last week that it will produce the digital vapor cigarette VUSE at it its Tobaccoville Manufacturing Center in North Carolina.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., was formed in 2012. It unveiled its digital vapor cigarette VUSE in June of 2013. This expansion, which will create 200 new jobs, is part of the plan to increased production of the e-cigarette set to soon be distributed nationally.

“We looked at other potential locations when we were considering where to expand our operations,” said Reynolds American Inc. CEO Susan Cameron. “But when it came right down to it, we believe that with the skilled manufacturing workforce here in North Carolina and the business climate our state works hard to support, the choice was clear.”

Cameron said that VUSE is the top-selling vapor cigarette in Colorado and Utah, the two states in which it has broad distribution and full marketing support. A national roll-out of VUSE will begin this summer.

“If our past successes in converting smokers to VUSE are any indication of our future response from adult tobacco consumers nationwide, we’ll need new-generation, high-speed equipment and a larger workforce to support market demand,” Cameron said.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.