Do you think it is the successful investment? Why?

We are one of the most effective Philip Morris factories in EU, with modern technologies and equipment. And, of course, it is also our people that make the difference. This combination allows us to work in very high quality, respond flexibly to customer needs and successfully compete for orders. So it shows that our investment was really successful.

What was the development of Philip Morris in Lithuania during those years? What are the main wins and achievements of the company? Main dates of your company's investments in Klaipeda.

Total direct Philip Morris International investments in Lithuania in 1993-2010 are over 520 mio Litas.After acquisition of
the Klaipeda factory in 1993, the construction of the new factory was announced and finalized in 1997. It was the 1^st green field investment in Eastern Europe with the annual capacity of 9.7 bio cigarettes and almost 400 employees (investment of approx. 100 mio Litas). During the decade factory operating annual capacity has tripled - now the factory produces 20 bio cigarettes per year. It is mid-size factory using the newest technologies. We were the second biggest tax payer in the country in 2009 (after Mazeikiai Oil refinery). Klaipeda factory is managing high complexity: we produce around 600 different brands. Factory produces not only for the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) but we also produce cigarettes for such markets as Nordics (Sweden, Norway, and Finland) and PMI worldwide duty-free affiliate.

Your opinion, what are the main advantages of Klaipeda in the context of business environment?

I think the greatest advantage of doing business in Klaipeda is the highly qualified and dedicated workforce.  The close proximity of the port which provides good connections to the East and West is also of great advantage.

Do you like living in Klaipeda? Do you like this town?

Yes, Klaipeda is a small town but is a very easy place to live. The environment is pristine with some amazing beaches located close by on the Curonian Spit.  All the necessary services are also available with a good selection of places to shop for food and clothing along with a reasonable selection of places to eat out.  There is also a 18 hole golf course about 15 minutes drive from Klaipeda which is great in summer during the long daylight hours for a round of golf after work.

Do you socialize with other foreigners, who are working and living here in Klaipeda?

One of the things that have made living here in Klaipeda enjoyable is the great group of foreigners and locals that I regularly socialize with. There are many nationalities living here and the Klaipeda International Business Club also organizes monthly get togethers and regular activities and events.