Swedish Match, Bear Express announce closings in Virginia

Swedish Match, a subsidiary owned by Philip Morris International, is closing its Richmond office and laying off 135 workers April 17, according to a letter to the state.

Also announced this week is the closure of two Bear Express Transportation facilities in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, with 168 workers impacted. These layoffs are expected to be completed by April 1, according to a letter from Bear Express President Matthew Poulos.

Thomas G. Hayes, president of Swedish Match North America, sent a letter last week notifying Virginia Works of the imminent closure of its 1021 E. Cary St. office in downtown Richmond, part of a larger restructuring of PMI.

PMI said the closing of the office is related to changes in its U.S. geographical footprint “to position our smoke-free business for continued growth and scale. Centralizing key capabilities and functions in strategic location hubs will help us operate with greater speed, agility and consumer focus,” according to a statement Monday.

“As part of this change, we will close our office in Richmond in the coming months as we align around our new smoke-free business geographical footprint strategy. Richmond has a long history and deep connection to our organization. This decision was not made lightly, and we recognize the impact it will have on our employees and the local community,” the corporation said. “Most of the 134 employees in Richmond are being offered the opportunity to relocate to a location aligned with their role and function. Our priority is to support our team members through this transition with respect and care.”

A multinational tobacco company headquartered in Stockholm, Swedish Match AB was purchased by PMI in 2022. It produces nicotine pouches, chewing tobacco, cigars and other products, and employs about 1,300 people in the United States.

According to Hayes’ letter, employees of PMI subsidiaries and affiliates Triaga Retail, PMI Global Services Unit, Swedish Match Cigars, Swedish Match North America and Pinkerton Tobacco Co. are impacted. None of the employees are represented by a union, the letter says.

The two Bear Express facilities closing are at 1400 Sewells Point Road in Norfolk and 2097 Harpers Road in Virginia Beach, with 157 drivers losing their jobs. Poulos declined to comment Monday. Bear Express is based in Ocean City, Maryland, and has had an Amazon delivery contract in Hampton Roads.

In November 2025, Connecticut-based Philip Morris International — a competitor of Henrico County-based Altria Group’s Philip Morris USA — announced it planned to restructure in 2026 during its third-quarter financial report. According to the company, it will have two main business units, PMI International and PMI U.S., along with Aspeya, its wellness business. PMI plans to focus on expanding smoke-free tobacco products.

With its $16 billion purchase of Swedish Match in 2022, PMI became the owner of Zyn nicotine pouches, a successful smoke-free product.