Philip Morris to Close NC Cigarette Plant; Lay Off 1,100; Save Lives

Richmond, Virginia-based tobacco giant Philip Morris will shutter a cigarette plant in North Carolina, and lay off 1,100 people in Cabarrus County.

The manufacturer is consolidating its production in Virginia.

Employees were informed this morning. Philip Morris has been threatening to shut the plant for two years; the process would be finished in 2010.

The company blames soft sales and federal tax increases.

Philip Morris USA is the US tobacco division of Altria Group. Philip Morris USA split from Philip Morris International in 2004. It produces Marlboro, and 16 other cigarette brands.