One of the world's largest privately-owned flavor and fragrance company Firmenich and the Turkish firm MG International Fragrance Company announced Saturday the construction of a new Regional Perfumery Production Hub on the MG International campus near Istanbul.

The investment of 47 million Swiss francs ($51.52 million) in the new plant will provide an additional capacity of 20,000 metric tons to serve customers in Turkey, the Middle East and countries such as Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

“This project is a milestone in the partnership Firmenich signed with MG International Fragrance Company in 2019, demonstrating our shared dedication to provide winning service to our customers and the strength of our commitment to this dynamic region,” said Firmenich CEO Gilbert Ghostine.

“This state-of-the-art plant will be a true perfumery production hub, responding to fast-growing demand from small and mid-size customers across Turkey, the Middle East and the ‘Stans’ (Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) countries.”

“We are very proud that our legacy of 186 years of combined business experience in fragrances continues to successfully expand the alliance that we started only two years ago,” said MG International Fragrance Company CEO Aslan Gülçiçek.

“With the continued unparalleled investments by Firmenich in our country and in our business, we are demonstrating that we are committed to be a key player in these important markets in the region.”

The construction of the new production hub was launched with a ceremony held at the MG International and Firmenich campus in the Gebze Organized Industrial Zone. It was attended by MG International Fragrance Company’s Honorary President Mişel Gülçiçek, Firmenich Chief Operating Officer Eric Nicolas and senior executives from both companies.

The new facility is expected to become operational before the end of 2023, joining Firmenich’s global network of 46 perfumery, flavors and ingredients plants across the world.

With approximately 15,000 square meters (161,458 square feet) of floor space spread across four floors, the facility will house some of the most advanced digital production technology and quality assurance laboratories in the industry. The highly automated plant will help deliver high-quality and agile service to meet the bespoke needs of small and mid-size enterprises which are flourishing in the region.

Sustainability criteria were incorporated from the outset in the project design, in keeping with Firmenich’s responsible business approach and its ambitious 2030 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. The plant is planned as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified green building, meeting the highest standards for energy efficiency, environmental protection and a healthy working environment.