Siegwerk brand launched in Turkey

"We're really happy that Siegwerk Turkey is now a full member of the Siegwerk Group because Turkey is one of the biggest growth markets in Europe," says Siegwerk Board Member Hugo Noordhoek Hegt, Head of PPL (Plastic, Paper & Label) Packaging. "We believe this entity will also help us to further expand our export activities into the Middle East." In addition to supplying big domestic customers including Korozo, Ispak and Naksan, the unit is also a major exporter to such dynamic growth markets as Ukraine, Israel, Egypt and Syria.

Many packaging converters had shifted or started operations in Turkey, both to produce for that country's booming market, and to produce at lower cost for Western and Central European markets. Therefore, "Acquiring the remaining shares in the company was a logical step for Siegwerk," Noordhoek Hegt explains. With 100 percent ownership of the company, Siegwerk can now invest in transferring resources and know-how to the site which will serve as one of the company's centers of excellence, producing the base inks and whites that serve as the building blocks for Siegwerk's numerous customized products. The site, which is located in Istanbul and has 43 employees, will also have a sales team and a distribution center.

14 neighbours with 500 million people
Alper Almelek is the unit's Managing Director; he will report to Head of PPL Packaging Noordhoek Hegt. Almelek's goals include maximizing productivity in terms of technology, accounting and marketing as well as the introduction of the Siegwerk brand and the company's European business unit structure. He emphasizes that, "We want to launch Siegwerk's brand and technology not just in Turkey but also in nearby markets – after all, we have 14 neighbours with a total population of more than 500 million people."

The company's history
Siegwerk Turkey has its roots in the year 1963 when it was established as Samo, producing mainly solvent-based inks for the flexible packaging sector of Turkey and neighboring markets. Later, Sicpa Packaging and Samo formed a joint venture; when Siegwerk merged with Sicpa's packaging division last year, the company took over Sicpa's role as Samo's partner in the joint venture. On July 5 of this year, Siegwerk acquired the remaining shares of Samo to become the company's 100 percent owner.
 
Siegwerk Group International
With 4,000 employees in 36 countries and annual sales of Euro 830 million, Siegwerk Group International is a world-leading independent ink manufacturer. Established in 1830 and headquartered in Europe, the company is one of the oldest family-owned businesses. Countless inventions and patents demonstrate the Group's leadership in innovation. Siegwerk Group International is a global market leader in packaging ink and publication gravure ink. In web offset the company is one of Europe's fastest-growing players in the industry.

Media contacts:
Katharina Jarzombek
Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 (0)2241 304-241
Fax: +49 (0)2241 304-330
E-mail: katharina.jarzombek(at)siegwerk.com

Alper Almelek
Managing Director
Siegwerk Türkiye Baski Mürekkepleri San. ve Tic. A.S.
Phone: +90 216 - 394 03 24
Fax: +90 216 - 394 20 59
E-mail: alper.almelek(at)siegwerk.com