Philip Morris USA unveiled its new USD 350 million research and development facility in Richmond last week.

The nearly 500,000 square foot building in downtown Richmond, Virginia has been under construction for nearly two years. With its completion, Philip Morris has combined administration, research and manufacturing, in one location.
Philip Morris says its tobacco products will be improved in the new facility, the "Center for Research and Technology", and new products that may be the future of the company will be created and launched there as well.
There are now about 100 employees working at the facility. Nearly 500 will work there in the next several months. Experts on staff include cell biologists, chemists and material scientists, and many who work on the reduction of the harm related to tobacco products. (pi)