Back to previous page
Philip Morris USA to Build Research and Technology Center
RICHMOND, VA (April 5, 2005) - Philip Morris USA will soon begin construction of a $300 million research and technology center in downtown Richmond. Once complete in 2007, Philip Morris USA's research facility will nearly double the company's research space and be home to more than 500 scientists, engineers and support staff.
"Innovation has helped Philip Morris USA become and remain the leading cigarette manufacturer," said John R. Nelson, Philip Morris USA's president of Operations and Technology. "This is the next step in that effort, allowing us to develop new technologies that improve the products we currently manufacture and may lead to innovative new products."
The center will be the newest addition to Richmond's Virginia BioTech Research Park. The park is already home to dozens of biosciences companies and more than 1,300 researchers, scientists and engineers.
"We hope this will be a significant boost for the area's scientific community as well as an infusion of energy into an already exciting part of downtown," said Nelson.
Over the past decade, Philip Morris USA has dedicated significant resources toward scientific research, new product development and commercialization which might help address the harm caused by smoking. The Research and Technology Center will enhance this commitment.
The project is Philip Morris USA's largest capital project since the 1980s, and is believed to be one of the single largest private capital investments in Richmond's history. Bounded by 5th and 7th streets just north of the Richmond Coliseum, the complex will encompass about 450,000 square feet.
"We're proud to call Richmond home and this announcement is a great example of that pride. Downtown Richmond's transformation continues to gain momentum and we hope this announcement will encourage other companies to think about how they can play a role," said Nelson.
