PMI's ‘Invested in America’ Campaign Underscores Southern Manufacturing Revival

Philip Morris International’s U.S. division has launched a new national campaign—“Invested in America”—designed to showcase the company’s growing footprint in American manufacturing, job creation, and smoke-free innovation. Timed around the Fourth of July and “Made in the USA” month, the campaign marks a strategic pivot for the global tobacco company as it seeks to position itself as a driver of public health innovation and American economic growth.

The centerpiece of the campaign is PMI’s more than $800 million investment in U.S. manufacturing facilities dedicated to smoke-free products like nicotine pouches and heated tobacco devices. These investments are fueling job creation across Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia, with more than 2,500 Americans currently employed across its U.S. operations. The company touts these jobs as high-skilled and high-paying—contributing to what it calls a new “manufacturing renaissance.”

PMI U.S. CEO Stacey Kennedy said the company is committed to giving adult smokers access to better alternatives while also rebuilding American industry from the ground up. The campaign emphasizes that the company’s marketing is directed exclusively toward adults 21 and over, in compliance with all federal and state regulations.

Beyond the factory floor, PMI is also highlighting its philanthropic efforts. Since 2022, the company has donated more than $25 million to U.S.-based nonprofits, with over $10 million given in 2024 alone. The funding has supported more than 300 charities in 35 states, with a focus on causes such as disaster relief, military veterans, and economic empowerment.

The “Invested in America” campaign is airing across major national newspapers, digital platforms, and streaming television. The effort targets policymakers, opinion leaders, and community influencers—reinforcing PMI’s message that the company is a serious player in advancing smoke-free solutions and strengthening the U.S. economy.

Still, the campaign arrives at a time when nicotine products face heightened scrutiny. Critics question whether patriotic branding is appropriate for a product category still associated with addiction risks. PMI maintains that its focus is on harm reduction and transitioning adult smokers to less harmful alternatives.

What It Means for Louisiana

Governor Jeff Landry has spoken often about ushering in a “New Industrial South”—a vision that includes revitalizing manufacturing, attracting private-sector investment, and building a skilled workforce ready to compete in the modern economy. Philip Morris International’s “Invested in America” campaign aligns with that vision, highlighting how global companies are reinvesting in U.S.-based production and high-paying industrial jobs.

As PMI pours more than $800 million into advanced manufacturing facilities and creates thousands of jobs across the South, it raises a natural question for Louisiana: Could we be next? With strong transportation infrastructure, available industrial space, and a governor committed to economic transformation, Louisiana is well-positioned to compete for future investments in emerging sectors like smoke-free consumer products and next-generation health technology.

There’s also a growing philanthropic angle. PMI’s $25 million in nonprofit giving—much of it focused on veterans, disaster recovery, and workforce development—mirrors many of Louisiana’s own priorities. Civic leaders, nonprofits, and economic development officials may see opportunities to align with companies like PMI that are blending private investment with public good.

As the “New Industrial South” continues to take shape, campaigns like “Invested in America” offer a glimpse of what modern manufacturing can look like: advanced, domestically rooted, and tied to broader community investment. For Louisiana, the challenge—and the opportunity—is to be ready when the next wave of investment comes looking for a home.