Cherokee Tobacco Brings $14 Million Investment to Caswell County –

Cherokee Tobacco Brings $14 Million Investment to Caswell County -

A staff report

North Carolina’s economy, once dominated by textiles, tobacco, and furniture, has seen a shift toward industries like electric vehicles, biotechnology, and aerospace. However, a recent investment highlights the enduring presence of the state’s legacy industries.

On Monday, Cherokee Tobacco, a family-owned producer of cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco, announced plans to invest more than $14 million to build a manufacturing and distribution facility in Caswell County, near the Virginia state line. This project is expected to bring 39 jobs to the region.

The new 65,000-square-foot facility will be located in Pelham Business Park, with operations projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 or early 2026, according to Jay Barker, Cherokee Tobacco’s owner and CEO.

“This is a big deal for Caswell County, and I think it’s going to be a shot in the arm for us,” said Tony Smith, former Caswell County Economic Development director, who resigned last month following his election to the county board.

Cherokee Tobacco, currently based about 40 miles northeast in South Boston, Virginia, employs approximately 60 people across its South Boston and Danville operations. The new facility will consolidate the company’s operations in Caswell County.

Barker noted that the company, which generates $100 million in annual revenue and has grown 4% annually over the last four years, explored expansion opportunities in South Boston and Danville. Ultimately, the company chose Caswell County because of its openness to growth. “We want to build a new modern facility,” Barker explained.

The project marks a significant economic development win for Caswell County, signaling new opportunities for a region that once thrived on North Carolina’s traditional industries.

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