WS Chronicle

Staff Report

Winston-Salem families could see another wave of job opportunities next year as Reynolds American announced plans to add 200 manufacturing positions at its Tobaccoville Operations Center—marking more than 1,000 new jobs created by the company in just two years.

Company officials said the new roles, slated for 2026, will support growing demand for its Velo Plus nicotine pouches and the expansion of its smokeless product portfolio. The hiring surge continues a period of rapid growth for one of Forsyth County’s largest and most historically influential employers.

Reynolds added 800 jobs between 2024 and 2025, according to the company, a notable development in a region where manufacturing remains a critical pathway to stable, middle-income work.

“For 150 years, Reynolds has been a cornerstone of economic strength in our community, creating well-paying jobs that sustain families across generations,” said Brian Chambers, senior vice president of operations. “Today, we continue that legacy by embracing transformation and welcoming new team members to help grow our future.”

High-tech jobs and a shifting industry

The positions are tied to approximately $200 million in recent capital investments at Reynolds’ facilities, including equipment upgrades designed to increase production of smokeless nicotine products. Company representatives said the technology now used on manufacturing floors is increasingly advanced, requiring operators and technicians with new skill sets.

That shift has led Reynolds to work closely with Forsyth Technical Community College through the Future-Ready Workforce Alliance, which offers training aligned with manufacturing needs. Local workforce officials say such partnerships help prepare residents—especially early-career workers and people seeking higher-wage employment—for the kinds of jobs now growing in the region.

Economic impact and equity considerations

Reynolds remains one of the largest private employers in the Winston-Salem area. While the company’s evolution toward smokeless products mirrors broader industry trends, it also raises ongoing questions about public health, long-term economic reliance on tobacco-adjacent industries, and access to new employment opportunities for residents in East Winston and other historically underserved neighborhoods.

Company hiring data has not yet been released, and community advocates often stress that new jobs do not automatically translate into equitable access without intentional outreach, transportation support, and training pathways.

What’s next

Reynolds said additional workforce expansion is expected in Clarksville, Tenn., with details to be announced soon. Recruitment for the new Tobaccoville roles will begin in 2026, and applicants can learn more at ReynoldsAmerican.com.

As the region continues to balance its historic ties to tobacco manufacturing with a shifting economic landscape, local officials and residents will be watching how the new investment affects workers, neighborhoods, and long-term growth across Winston-Salem.