Geneva, February 23, 2010. – Japan Tobacco International (JTI) today unveiled its plan for further investment in Geneva with a new building for its international headquarters. The aim is to build offices totaling approximately 25 000 sq. meters in the Sécheron area of the city by the end of 2013. World renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), together with Geneva-based architects group, were selected for the implementation of this large-scale project.
“Geneva is key to JTI’s long-term growth”, explains Frits Vranken, Senior Vice President Business Development & Corporate Strategy. “Our company has been located in this city for more than four decades. We felt it was time for the company to invest in its own building. It offers us more flexibility as we grow and plan for the future.”
JTI moved in 2007 to Carouge, Geneva. However, the acquisition of UK-based Gallaher Group Plc the same year, and JTI’s growth projections, compelled the Company to reconsider its needs. “Currently, 700 employees work for our international headquarters in three separate buildings, and we expect there will be about 1000 in the next four years”, adds Frits Vranken. “Our long-term objective is to have everyone under one roof.”
“The location itself was inspiring”, states Kent Jackson, Design Director at SOM. “It has a unique combination of international organizations close by, gardens, the lake and the mountain backdrop. Few city sites allow you the opportunity to create such harmony with their surroundings. The design is based on an elemental form, which we raise from the ground to enhance the open space. We want the building both to be distinctly recognizable by pedestrians at ground level, and to have an articulated roofscape that will be identifiable to Geneva.”