Jump to full article: Caswell (NC) Messenger, 2009-07-21
Author: Tim Davis Star-Tribune Editor
Intro: DANVILLE - A partnership between Japan Tobacco Inc. and J.E.B. International Co. to purchase and process tobacco could bring a $30 million tobacco processing facility and 200 jobs to Danville.
Japan Tobacco signed an agreement with U.S. leaf tobacco suppliers J.E.B. International and Hail & Cotton in June to form a joint venture company called JTI Leaf Services LLC. . . .
Funded with an initial investment of $5 million, JTILS will contract directly with farmers to buy tobacco throughout the flue-cured and burley belts, creating a direct supply pipeline for Japan Tobacco, said Barker. . . .
Japan Tobacco also signed an agreement in June to acquire business from Tribac Leaf Limited, a British tobacco company that operates in several parts of the world, including Malawi, Zambia, China and India.
Japan Tobacco also entered into a long-term agreement with Tribac to supply leaf tobacco from Zimbabwe.
The international partnerships are designed to secure a steady supply of quality tobacco for Japan Tobacco, the world's third largest tobacco company.
The new international partnership plans to sign contracts with farmers for the 2010 season.
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