Knauf Insulation opens new plant in Turkey

TheTopraksite was bought in 2010 and Knauf Insulation has completely modernised the plantand introduced the latest technology to ensure it is a model of sustainable production.

Today the plant, based in the Turkish province of Eskişehir, employs 110 people and has an annual Mineral Wool production capacity of 45,000 tonnes.

“The plant opens up exciting business opportunities not just in Turkey but also in neighbouring countries,” says EmreGürcan, the company’s General Manager in Turkey.

Since entering the Turkish market in 2012, Knauf Insulation has enjoyed significant sales success.

“Our wool offers everything our customers want,” says Gürcan. “It is flexible which saves time on site, it is not itchy which our installers like and everyone is interested in our ECOSE® Technology which is a formaldehyde-free binder based on renewable materials instead of petro-based chemicals.”

Turkey offers huge potential for Knauf Insulation. This economic powerhouse of a country has enjoyed consistent year-on-year growth with construction activities up by 5% in 2013 compared to the previous year.

As a result of this construction boom, a highly effective sales team and a good word-of-mouth reputation, Knauf Insulation has enjoyed considerable sales success in Turkey.

But with the launch of the new Toprak plant the company aims to build on this success by taking a significant share of the domestic insulation market. There are more than 74 million people in Turkey.

An important aspect of Knauf Insulation’s activities in Turkey is to launch public awareness activities about the benefits of energy efficiency.

“We are working hard with government ministries, municipalities and non-governmental organisations to educate the Turkish market about the importance of saving energy and saving money,” said Gürcan. “This is a big country and this is a big challenge, but it’s a challenge we relish.”