General Info

Founded in 1918, Universal Corporation is one of the world's leading leaf tobacco merchants and processors, based on volumes handled by its subsidiaries and affiliates, and has operations in agri-products and in the distribution of lumber and building products. Universal conducts business in more than 40 countries and employs over 28,000 permanent and seasonal workers. Universal's tobacco business includes selecting, buying, shipping, processing, packing, storing and financing of leaf tobacco in tobacco growing countries for sale to, or for the account of, manufacturers of tobacco products throughout the world. Universal does not manufacture cigarettes or other consumer products. Most of the company's tobacco revenues are derived from sales of processed tobacco and from fees and commissions for specific services. Universal Corporation maintains its headquarters in Richmond, Va.