Japan Tobacco to Close Linz Plant in Austria

Source from:  news.yahoo.com TOKYO (AFP) 09/29/2007

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) said Friday it will close its Linz factory in Austria by 2009, affecting 300 jobs in Linz and Vienna. The decision came after "an extensive review of the manufacturing operations in Austria conducted as part of the integration plan for Gallaher, which was acquired by JT in April," the Japanese firm said in a statement. The Linz factory was established in 1935, and manufactures products such as Memphis and Benson and Hedges with an annual production volume of approximately 20 billion cigarettes. "All production in Austria will be focused in the Hainburg factory, which will be upgraded to a mid-size factory producing (Japan Tobacco International's) strategic global flagship brands, including Camel and Winston," the company said. Enditem