Executive Vice President of the Skretting Group Knut Nesse joined Güllük Mayor Aytunc Kayrakci, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a plant tour and reception.
Constructed on the site of an existing Skretting warehouse, the plant will produce feeds for freshwater trout and marine species such as sea bream and sea bass. Most of the output is for domestic sales but some will be exported.
"Turkey has a well-established aquaculture industry and Skretting has a long history of supplying it with feed," said Alberto Allodi, Managing Director of Skretting East Mediterranean.
"That is why we already had a warehouse in Güllük. As the market expanded we realised a local plant would benefit fish farmers in Turkey and demonstrate our commitment to Turkish aquaculture."
Levent Kayi, General Manager of Skretting Turkey said: "We are starting production with one extruder line, newly-built to meet latest standards. Using quality raw materials and established Skretting formulations, we will provide feeds that match the high nutritional and physical quality our customers expect from Skretting. I have no doubt we will expand our market share. A modular design for the plant means infrastructure is in place to add second and third extruder lines quickly as demand increases."
Raw Materials
Raw material supplies combine the benefits of local sourcing with the international procurement expertise and power of the global Skretting organisation.
This applies both to the marine raw materials, where Turkey has a small but high quality production, and vegetable raw materials. Additionally, the micro ingredients come from sister Nutreco company, Trouw Nutrition Turkey.
Located in Güllük, in the Bodrum area, the plant is well positioned to supply the main trout and marine producers. Being just seven kilometres from the port of Güllük simplifies shipping of raw materials to the plant. Additionally, Güllük is only 200 kilometres from one of Turkey’s largest ports at Izmir. Finally, it is close to the local airport.
Exports
Giovanni Serrini, Commercial Director of Skretting East Mediterranean said: "There are interesting aquaculture developments in many neighbouring countries. If we add the population of Turkey to those of the neighbouring countries and some potential markets in the Middle East, the plant can serve aquaculture production for over 250 million people.
"Most of these are in emerging economies, which means demand will expand rapidly once we are past the current economic crisis. I am confident we will be installing the second line in the foreseeable future."
Alberto Allodi added: "Current economic events have impacted the markets since we took the decision to build the plant but we still have a firm belief in the long-term success of aquaculture in Turkey and in the surrounding areas.
"Turkey is already one of the leading aquaculture producers in Europe. It has excellent production conditions with real potential to grow and that is supported by strong domestic consumption. Aquaculture and the consumption of fish in this region are set to grow substantially."
