The factory employs one hundred skilled workers, some of them who previously worked at Joya de Nicaragua and are bringing with them years of experience that will help improve the processes required to produce only the best products possible. According to Joya’s Juan Martínez, 50 years of knowledge and know-how from his company was applied to ensuring Villiger de Nicaragua was able to launch at an advantage despite its newness.
Through no tobacco processing takes place within the factory, there’s a lot of other processes involved in the production of cigar making that does. The factory, which was built during the pandemic, was designed with worker safety in mind. Workers’ tables are wider than in some factories and there are also protective shielding still in place between each work station. Since the factory is located within a Free Zone, Villiger de Nicaragua is already setup to comply with regulations and other government requirements. One takes note of how spacious the factory is and Martínez notes that there’s room to grow and even to add an additional floor in the future if and when needed.
This is part of Villiger Söhne GmbH’s long-term strategy to continue to become a tour de force within the premium handmade cigar category. Lucien Villiger, board member of both Villiger Söhne Holding and Villiger Söhne AG and grandson to Heinrich Villiger, commented exclusively to Tobacco Business:
“Our aim is to grow, especially in the US market. We have a lot of very interesting and good cigars and we’re looking forward to producing cigars with the help of our man in Miami, Rene Castañeda. We have a really good relationship with him are grateful to have him in the U.S.A. as part of our company.”
Villiger de Nicaragua will only produce Villiger-branded cigars at this time.
For all the latest news from Villiger, visit villigercigars.com.
Photography by Antoine D. Reid.
