Tetra Pak, Switzerland, announced a further investment in its packaging material plant in Izmir, Turkey, to complete a technology upgrade project that started in 2012.

The 3-year upgrade enables the plant to more than double its capacity to 10 billion packs and broaden its capability to produce a bigger range of packages from the Tetra Pak portfolio, including Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge, Tetra Gemina Aseptic 1000 Crystal, Tetra Top 500 Midi and Tetra Top 1000 Carton Bottle.

"Customers in this region are not only growing, but also eager for innovation that could set them apart from competition. During the last three years, our customers have launched more than 100 products in new packages," says Amar Zahid, who was appointed cluster vice president of Tetra Pak Greater Middle East & Africa, effective July 1. "With new machines in operation by January 2015, apart from the advantages of local supply such as faster lead time, we will also be able to provide customers with a wide range of packaging options for differentiation and improved functionality,"

The well-placed geographic location, availability of skilled labor force, low waste ratios and high service levels has enabled the Izmir plant to become an export hub for Tetra Pak.

"Tetra Pak has been operating in the Greater Middle East region for more than 40 years, delivering 25 billion packs per year to more than 200 leading brands. This investment is a clear signal of our commitment to growing together with our customers in the region," adds Zahid.