Senta-based Japan Tobacco International puts new machine totaling USD 5 m into operations

(Aleksandar Vucic in JTI plant)

Senta-based plant, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has put today into operations a new machine for cigarettes production which is a part of the company’s planned investments this year, totaling USD 5 m.

The Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vucic who toured the plant and talked to the company management, put the machine into operations.

The Plant Manager in Senta, Makoto Ociai, said the new machine will enable cigarettes production in JTI product range which have been imported to Serbia so far and a part of it is planned for export.

- Since the acquisition of Duvanska industrija Senta (Tobacco industry Senta) in 2006, JTI has poured USD 169 m and today we are the six biggest tax payer in Serbia – GM and Vice President for West Balkans, Chris Woods said.

JTI in Serbia hires more than 300 people and engages 380 tobacco producers and seasonal staff.

- So far, "winston", "glamour" and "LD super slim" cigarettes have been imported to Serbia. Thanks to the new line, we will produce the cigarettes in Senta for the local market and for export to Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Makoto Ociai, Plant Manager at JT International Senta, outlined.

- As the biggest tobacco producer in Serbia, we will continue to invest in production and tobacco processing. Apart from the machine for super slim cigarettes production, this year we have also put into operations a new line for tobacco materials processing and expanded storage capacities.