Leading international tobacco company, JTI, serves over 130 markets and is now investing into its UK facilities
As the number one tobacco manufacturer in the UK , JTI UK brings a diverse range of products to its UK adult consumers, including conventional tobacco products and tobacco-free nicotine pouches with Nordic Spirit. JTI is also a major player in the international heated tobacco market with heated tobacco brand, Ploom.
As a prominent international operation, JTI has been certified as a Global Top Employer for ten years running. From the company headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to facilities across the UK and Europe, the JTI team is dedicated to growth.
With continued investment into its facility network, JTI ensures its place as an industry forerunner. The company’s latest project, a major refurbishment of its Crewe-based logistics hub, demonstrates its ongoing support for employees across the North-West of England. As Logistics Director, Laura Bailes, reveals: “Our cutting-edge facility in Crewe is an embodiment of JTI’s larger mission to positively impact surrounding communities, by revitalizing industry and offering career opportunities.
“The refurbishment at Crewe has had a transformative effect on our working culture. By investing in modern, collaborative spaces and upgraded facilities, JTI has reinforced its commitment to employee wellbeing and empowerment.
“The refreshed environment fosters openness, innovation, and a stronger sense of community. Employees share with us that they are feeling more valued and engaged, with the space encouraging cross-functional collaboration and more dynamic ways of working. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a cultural shift that is putting JTI employees first.”
These refurbishments were made as part of a collaboration between JTI’s team in Crewe and the company leaders. Employees at the Crewe facility played a central role throughout the process — providing early-stage feedback, offering design support, and pilot testing new processes.
As Laura details: “The result is a space that feels co-created, and tailored to how teams work and interact. This inclusive approach has driven a strong sense of ownership and pride across the site and champions the values that make JTI a Global Top Employer.”
This synergistic approach ensured that JTI delivered a best-in-class logistics facility, reflecting the company’s global standards for innovation and quality. As Laura adds: “Throughout the course of this project we’ve been able to create a working environment that enhances operational efficiency, improves employee experience, and supports our sustainability goals.
“Our mission was to invest in the UK logistics network, as well as the staff who have served our operation here for so long. This renovation was all about championing our people so they can continue supporting our vital UK customer network.”
Flagship location
Crewe is now an industry-leading site for the company’s logistics operations. JTI’s sales team and wider organisational leaders position the location as a showcase for the standards they uphold throughout the business.
“Sales teams now use the space for immersive training sessions, product demonstrations, and strategic planning. Its modern layout and tech-enabled meeting areas support high-impact engagements with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
“Beyond sales, the wider organisation sees Crewe as a benchmark for future investments. It’s a physical embodiment of JTI’s values, which include innovation and collaboration. The site is now a destination for cross-functional visits, leadership tours, and supplier engagement, reinforcing its role as a flagship location within the UK market,” Laura asserts.
“We’re a global business, and our recent commitments to the UK market are just the beginning. Our mission is to continue advancing new technologies and people-first policy, just as we have at the logistics hub in Crewe.”
Ensuring a well-maintained and up-to-date working environment means JTI’s manufacturing and logistics experts can focus on what they do best. As Laura discusses: “With advanced facilities and a positive company culture, our people are inspired to deliver their best efforts.
“Alongside our diverse product offering, we set ourselves apart through best-in-class service. Our manufacturing and distribution strategies ensure our clients have a stress-free experience when working with us.
“We ensure all our operations and exports are compliant and held to the most stringent regulatory standards, as this approach to business aligns with our wider business strategy. It’s all about providing a consumer-driven experience. Our operations are safe and reliable, and our team is available to provide support every step of the way.”
Working culture
Looking ahead, JTI will continue to uphold its values. Laura affirms: “We’re focused on long-term investments over short-term victories. “Transparency is important to us – we want to create a culture where customers, staff, and stakeholders feel informed and empowered.
“Working culture is also important to us. We strive for equality and diversity across our operation. In the UK, we are deeply committed to community engagement, having partnered with over 23 charities and non-profit organizations nationwide.
“This is a value we aim to embed throughout the business. More than 70 percent of our employees take part in volunteer work through JTI, reflecting our culture of giving back and amplifying underrepresented voices.
“Looking ahead, we want to further strengthen that culture as one of the central drivers behind the work we do. Being part of JTI is a rewarding experience for so many, and our focus on collaboration and mutual respect will always remain top priorities,” she concludes.