Following up investments in sites in Singapore and India, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. will invest more than $50 million in a new 2,000-square-meter creative facility and an expansion of its existing manufacturing site to 18,000-square-meters. The upgrades will be applied to the company's site in Gebze, Turkey to support customers in the developing markets of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The new site will create flavors and technologies for manufacturers of sweet goods, beverages, dairy products and savory prepared foods. The first phase of the capacity expansion is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2013.
"I am pleased to announce that over the next three years, we expect to invest significantly in our flavors creative and manufacturing capabilities in Turkey, which will provide additional support to key emerging markets," said chairman and CEO Doug Tough. “This investment in the facility reflects our continued confidence in our growth strategies in the region and our long-term commitment to these very important markets."
Hernan Vaisman, group president, flavors, added, "The developing economies of Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are creating increased demand from our customers, so we want to ensure we have the right people and the right infrastructure to support them. Turkey offers an unparalleled strategic hub into the fast-growing emerging markets in the region that will allow us to significantly increase and differentiate our value proposition to our customers.”
Matthias Haeni, regional general manager, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME), flavors, said, "With this investment, we are putting in place the creative, technical, and sensory talent to support our customers in the region more fully as they seek to differentiate their products and brands. And with the planned efficiency improvements in manufacturing and supply, we will be well-positioned to increase the very important speed-to-market.”