Philip Morris to build $50 million warehouse in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va., May 28 (UPI) -- Philip Morris USA, the largest tobacco company in America, announced plans to build a $50 million facility to store tobacco leaves near its headquarters outside of Richmond Wednesday.

The makers of Marlboro and other common American cigarettes will build the facility on 118 acres allowing for over 1 million square feet of storage. Additionally, the facility will make it easier to access leaves from manufacturing operations in nearby Henrico County where Philip Morris is based.

"This strategic Chesterfield County location will allow us convenient access to our manufacturing facilities and complement our existing storage and production activities," Philip Morris USA President and CEO Cliff Fleet said in a statement.

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors chairman James Holland welcomed the warehouse, saying, "This new PM USA facility will be a welcome addition to our corporate community and once again indicates Chesterfield's commitment to providing a business friendly environment."

Philip Morris has been the largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States since 1983.