Due to its labour-intensive character, the preparation of tobacco takes place in the subsidiary in Sri Lanka. Here, the binder and wrapper of the cigar are cut to the desired shape. First, the tobacco is moistened to give it the suppleness necessary for proper processing. It is then carefully selected according to size and colour. The leaves are machine-cut into their characteristic shape, depending on the cigar model around which they will later be wrapped. The pre-cut leaves are placed on the fabric and rolled up to form 'bobbins', which leave the factory as semi-manufactured goods.