VitrA has completed the expansion programme for its sanitaryware production

With the start-up of the fourth production line in its facility in Bozüyük, Turkey, VitrA has reached a total capacity of 5.6 million pieces/year.

With the start-up in September of the fourth production line in its facility in Bozüyük, Turkey, VitrA has completed its programme of investments aimed at increasing its total sanitaryware production capacity to 5.6 million pieces/year. The 40 million euro investment was completed in two phases. Alongside the three existing lines, the Turkish group Eczacıbaşı has added a new 40,000 square metre production space for its brand-new plant, which makes extensive use of robotic systems and is equipped with cutting-edge technology supplied by Sacmi. The aim of the project is to expand the VitrA brand’s range of offerings in export markets, particularly in Europe, and to respond to growing demand for medium to high-end products. The company already accounts for more than half of all ceramic sanitaryware exports from Turkey and after completing the expansion aims to boost its exports by 40 million euros.

“We’ve created a whole new production infrastructure at the new facility that blends technology and human labour”, said Group Chairman Bülent Eczacıbaşı, adding that the decision to make this important investment was determined by a desire to give a further boost to export growth and strengthen VitrA’s position amongst the leader’s in the European market. The expansion in capacity at the Bozüyük facility created almost 500 new jobs. All the technological equipment of the new plant, from casting to the kiln, was designed and built by Sacmi with a focus on automation, logistic efficiency, ergonomics, workplace health, reduced consumption and environmental impact, as well as product quality.

The Eczacıbaşı Building Products Division operates globally with 13 production facilities, including 5 in Turkey and 8 in Germany, Russia and France. Total annual production amounts to 5 million ceramic sanitaryware pieces, 30 million sq.m of tiles, 400,000 bathroom furnishing units, 3 million taps and 350,000 bathtubs.

The Division operates through some of the best known brands in the sector, including VitrA and Burgbad (a premium bathroom furnishing brand), as well as Villeroy&Boch and Engers in the ceramic tile sector.

Read the article published in Ceramic World Review 134