Şişecam Group’s glass packaging capacity in Turkey reaches the 1 million ton mark.
Şişecam Glass Packaging, a member of the Şişecam Group and the world’s fifth largest glass packaging producer with a 2.3 million tons/year output and production facilities in four countries, has commissioned a third furnace at its Mersin plant. The furnace, which has been modernized using state-of-the-art technology, offers a 90,000 tons/year capacity. Şişecam Glass Packaging operates three plants in Bursa, Eskişehir and Mersin, and the modernization of the third furnace, which cost around TL 120 million, will push the company’s annual production capacity in Turkey above the 1-million-ton mark.
Commenting on the furnace investment, Şişecam Group Deputy Chairman and CEO Prof. Ahmet Kırman pointed out that the group ranked third globally in glass home accessories, and fifth globally in glass packaging and flat glass. Kırman added: “We are also the world leader in chromium chemicals and one of the ten largest soda producers of the world. Engaged in production activities in thirteen countries around the world, our group reinforces its capacity and technology with innovation, creativity, expertise and highly qualified human resources, and faces the future with confidence thanks to a product and service range that meets the continuously evolving needs of the market.”
Stating that the glass packaging plant in Mersin was established in 1969, Kırman said: “Throughout its 81-year history, our group has always invested its earnings in the country’s future, and has now become a global player in its field. Our new state-of-the-art furnace in city of Mersin, where we have been active for almost fifty years, is yet another example of our contribution to the national economy. As always, our group remains committed to sustainable growth”.
Kırman continued saying that Şişecam Glass Packaging’s strategy is to achieve the highest quality standards: “Şişecam Glass Packaging continuously modernizes its existing facilities in line with advances in technology. The newly commissioned furnace will both contribute to Turkish economy and allow us to achieve the state of the art at our Mersin plant. This furnace has been equipped with Industry 4.0 technologies. Şişecam Glass Packaging now has three production lines that can produce anything from jars to bottles in various colours.”
Emphasizing that Şişecam Glass Packaging was one of the world’s largest glass packaging producers, Kırman said: “Exporting 125,000 tons in 2016, Şişecam Glass Packaging has broken both the industry’s record and its own record. The Mersin plant is of critical importance in terms of exports, thanks to its proximity to the port. This new furnace investment has further added to this position. Şişecam Glass Packaging targets to continue investment projects that will allow it to sustainably increase its export volume in the coming years.