Cut rag manufacturing is a process that converts tobacco leaves that arrive in 200 kg cases into batches of cut rag that is ready to be made into cigarettes. When processed tobacco leaf arrives at a factory, it is carefully blended with other ingredients that the brand recipe may call for, such as flavouring or expanded tobacco.

The blended tobacco is treated with just the right amount of steam and water to make it supple and is then cut into the form used in cigarettes.  Excess moisture is then removed so the cut rag can be given a final blending and quality check.

Modern and high-speed machines are used to produce filters, cigarettes and pack them into packets, (cartons and ‘shippers cardboard boxes). The technology has advanced significantly over the years.