Philip Morris closes manufacturing facility in Kotri

KARACHI: Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) on Monday announced that it would reorganise its cigarette-manufacturing operations, following a strategic review to optimise process efficiencies and operational effectiveness and to position the company for sustainable future growth.

This will involve closure of the cigarette-manufacturing facility in Kotri, Sindh, which will impact 194 employees. However, all of them will be offered separation packages that will exceed what is required by law, according to a statement issued by the company. Philip Morris (Pakistan) Managing Director Joao Martins said: “PMPKL remains committed to operating in Pakistan, through our manufacturing facility in Sahiwal, the green leaf threshing plant in Mardan and by maintaining a strong ongoing commercial presence.”

“The wide presence of illicit cigarettes in the country has impacted the legal industry volumes, as a result our manufacturing footprint was in excess of requirement, hence PMPKL decided to consolidate its current manufacturing footprint to achieve greater efficiency and for a sustained business outlook.”

“Philip Morris has a big vision, to create a smoke-free world, and we are transforming our business to achieve that vision.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2019.

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