The above building is the Lorillard, Inc. at 714 Green Valley Road. In 2014, Lorillard was acquired by Reynolds American Inc. Lorillard, founded in 1760, is the oldest continuously operating tobacco company in the United States. Their brands include Newport, Kent, True, Maverick, and Old Gold. They maintain their headquarters and produce all of their cigarette products in Greensboro, NC.
Lorillard represents the globalization of businesses these days. They are now owned by Reynolds American, but Imperial Tobacco, a British company, has taken control of Lorillard's manufacturing, headquarters, and research facilities in Greensboro (read article, here). So, it seems Lorillard, Reynolds, and Imperial Tobacco are all rolled in to one. True to most globalization, the arrangement is complicated. For now, Greensboro is breathing a sign of relief that Lorillard has not simply been absorbed by Reynolds.
Today's photo is of the corporate headquarters. The building is made of exposed aggregate precast concrete with glass and metal panels. The architect was Integrated Design, PA in Raleigh.** While we can't find a date on the building, it fits the architectural style of 1970's corporate. So, we're guessing about 1974. (Someone, please let us know for sure). Five years ago- the 250th anniversary year, GDP featured a photo of Lorillard's plant, built in 1956 on West Market Street. A lot has changed in the past five years!
* Reference.
** see more photos of the architecture, here.
I'm sure they have to deal with a lot of opposition. If you haven't seen the film Thank You For Smoking, I highly recommend it.
Posted by: William Kendall | Monday, May 11, 2015 at 11:39 AM
The Greensboro Lorillard HQ building on Green Valley Rd was built around 1997-1998.
Posted by: Mike S | Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 09:03 AM
Correction: Work started in 1999, completed in 2000.
Posted by: Mike S | Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 09:06 AM