1. After the tobacco companies select and buy the tobacco from the warehouses, the tobacco is cured and sent to the factories.

2. In the factories, the tobacco leaves are de-stemmed, cut into strips, and cleaned.  As the cleaning process is a very important step, some companies will chemically, electronically and manually clean the leaves.

3. The tobacco is then steamed to make sure that the leaves will not become too dry and begin crumbling.  (Although the leaves will later be dried again for storage.

4. Next, the tobacco is aged, usually for about 12-18 months.

5. After aging, the tobacco is often combined with different flavorings, such as menthol, licorice, maple syrup, or cocoa.

6. The flavored tobacco is then made into cigarettes with various cigarette making machines.  The tobacco is wrapped into cigarette paper, an adhesive is applied to the side to seal the paper, and the cigarette is cut to the desired length.

7. A filter rod machine then attaches a filter to the end of the cigarette.  A paper wrap is then applied around the filter and adhesive is applied to secure it.

8. Finished cigarettes are then sent to a packaging machine where they (typically 20 to a pack) are wrapped in foil and a label.  They are then wrapped with clear plastic and a tear tape.  The individual packs are placed into cartons and the cartons are packed into cases in which they are shipped out to be distributed.