VitrA opens its 4th and newest production line for export

VitrA has increased the production capacity for ceramic sanitary ware at its Bozüyük complex to 5.6 million units. The pioneer of Turkey's ceramics industry, VitrA was the first brand in Turkey to establisha modern ceramics plant, the first to export ceramics, and the first to foundan R&D center for bathroom research. Growing demand from European countries was a key factor in the undertaking of this lastest investment, which has raised the brand's ceramic sanitary ware capacity by 1.1 million units to 5.6 million. The TL 250 million investment, which was completed in two phases, has added 40 thousand square meters of new production space and created close to 500 new jobs. Thanks to its new capacity, which makes extensive use of robotic systems, VitrA aims to increase its exports by Euro 40 million in the period ahead. VitrA already accounts for more than half of all ceramic sanitary ware exports from Turkey. Attending the opening ceremony were the Eczac?ba?? Group Chairman Bülent Eczac?ba??, Eczac?ba?? Group President and CEO Atalay Gümrah, Eczac?ba?? Building Products Division Vice President and Deputy Vice President Ali Aközand O?uzhan Gürsoy, Eczac?ba?? Building Products General Manager Ferit Erin, Plant Manager Tuna Tümer, and VitrA employees. In his speech at the opening ceremony,Bülent Eczac?ba?? noted that the domestic share of value-add created by Turkey's ceramics exports was currently at a record high of 82 percent and added, “We've created a whole new production infrastructure at the new facility that blends technology and human labor. VitrA's growth in international markets for eg. India, contributed to our decision to make this investment. VitrA is one of the leaders in Europe's ceramics industry, with an expertise acquired over more than 60 years in the business. We're very proud of our powerful position and the fact that VitrA contributes to more than half of Turkey's ceramic sanitary ware exports." Ali Aköz said, "As always, one of our top priorities in this investment was occupational health and safety, in line with our principle of "people first". The robotic systems we're using here increase both our productivity and the comfort of our employees. They've also enabled us to increase the number of women working on our production lines, which is a priority for us that reflects the Eczac?ba?? Group's commitment to providing equal opportunities for women."