Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/650253
The Premier Network in Global Leaf Supply 18 TOBACCO INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 2015 U niversal Corporation, through its primary subsidiary, Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc., has made global leaf supply its primary business focus since the company was founded in 1918. The world leader in tobacco supply, Universal is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia with operations in 30 countries and on five continents. The largest portion of Universal's business involves the procur- ing and processing of flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco for the manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. Procuring Leaf Tobacco Procuring involves contracting with, providing agron- omy support to and financing farmers in many origins. Universal does not manufacture cigarettes or other con- sumer tobacco products, but through various operating subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates located in to- bacco-growing countries around the world, the company purchases, processes, and sells flue-cured and burley tobaccos, as well as dark air-cured and oriental tobaccos. Value Added Services Universal provides its customers with certain value-added services, in addition to blending, chemical and physical testing of tobacco, service cutting for select manufacturers, manufacturing reconstituted leaf tobacco, and just-in- time inventory management. Liquid Nicotine In a joint venture, Universal supplies liquid nicotine to the e-cigarette industry together with its partners. Edible Products Universal also produces high quality dehydrated and juiced fruit and vegetable products. Tobacco Growing Regions Universal is present in virtually all of the major tobacco growing regions in the world and this presence, together with the ability to meet customer style, volume, and quality requirements is key to the company's successful operations. Tobacco Farms to Tobacco Processing Dealing with large numbers of farmers, partners and cus- tomers requires a great deal of expertise and Universal's history of successful management of these relationships has proven to be an essential element in the company's success. Equipment and Technology The ongoing investment in the development of processing equipment and new technologies ensures that Universal's tobacco processing operations remain at the fore, setting the industry standard for leaf suppliers around the world. Financial Strength Universal's position in the market is linked to its financial strength, which enables the company to run the business efficiently and to make appropriate investments whenever desirable opportunities are identified. Lower interest and capital costs give Universal a competitive advantage and the financial flexibility to deal with a wide range of cus- tomer requirements and market changes.