Vapeboss – PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna), an affiliate of Philip Morris International, inaugurated its production facility and the export launch of innovative smoke-free tobacco products in Karawang, West Java. The Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartanto, also participated in the inauguration process.

"Today, January 12, 2023, by saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby inaugurate the production facility and the launch of the first export of innovative smoke-free tobacco products by PT HM Sampoerna Tbk in Karawang, West Java," Airlangga said on Thursday (12/1/2023).

He expressed hope that Sampoerna's investment would have a positive impact on investment, job creation for MSMEs, partnerships with farmers, and other aspects. These heated tobacco products are claimed to have lower health risks and are environmentally friendly because they do not involve a combustion process.

The first export was directed to the Asia-Pacific market, including Malaysia and the Philippines. The Director General of Agro-Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, hopes this initial export will have a positive impact on the national industry.

"At the beginning of 2023, PT HM Sampoerna exported innovative products to the Asia-Pacific region, to the Philippines and Malaysia. This is positive news for the development of our national industry and can also serve as an example for other industries," Putu stated.

His office appreciates Sampoerna's commitment in realizing an investment of US$ 166.1 million.

"We appreciate Sampoerna for committing to realize an investment of US$ 166.1 million for these innovative tobacco products. With a capacity of 15.45 billion sticks per year, it involves approximately 500 skilled workers supported by a research and development facility with a US$ 600,000 investment," he concluded.

Source: Detik Finance