President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov attended the opening ceremony of the new EFES group malthouse line

On May 20th, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov attended the opening ceremony of the new EFES group malthouse.
The ceremony took place at the EFES company EFES factory in Kazan (Tikhoretskaya str.).

Malt production complex became part of EFES group in 2006. The project works were initiated in 2007. Modernization, procurement and installation of new high-tech equipment increased the total production capacity of malting complex in Kazan to 45 thousand tons of malt per year, raising the overall capacity of Russian EFES malthouses to 175 thousand tons of malt per year.

The event was attended by the Ambassador of Turkey to the Russian Federation, Mr. Halil Akıncı.

Welcoming guests of the ceremony, EFES Group Managing Director for Russia Mr.Yöksel Gökbulut stated that the company intends to continue to invest into the economy of the Republic of Tatarstan. Today we are one of the largest investors in Tatarstan, he said.

Anadolu Group holding Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Mr.Tuncay Özilhan said that the company intends to expand markets, and Russia plays a big role. According to him, as of the end of 2009 the company invested about $ 1 billion into production in Russia. Mr. Özilhan informed that EFES Russia produces about 1 billion litres of beer. Kazan capacity has reached 392 million liters, giving work to 585 employees.

In turn, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the Ambassador of Turkey to the Russian Federation for the visit, showing attention that is given to the Republic of Tatarstan.

Tatarstan and Turkey have a special relationship, said Rustam Minnikhanov, and it's not limited to trade and economic relations only. He reminded that recent events marking the anniversary of the birth of the great Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukai organized by Turkey included readings of Tukai poetry. Laying first bricks into the foundation of two new Turkish production facilities that took place earlier this month at the territory of Alabuga special economic zone further shows convergence of interests of Turkey and the Republic of Tatarstan.

We are very glad with the way work is organized at Kazan factory owned by EFES group, said Rustam Minnikhanov. He noted that it is one of the largest contributors into Tatarstan budget. Even in the crisis year, the company has fulfilled and exceeded its commitments, said Rustam Minnikhanov.

Much is said about innovation and modern manufacturing, said President of Tatarstan, and today we are witnessing opening of that kind of production facility at EFES company site. EFES company is going to conquer new markets, - said Rustam Minnikhanov. - And we will support you in any endeavours.
The event was followed by a private meeting between President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the Ambassador of Turkey to the Russian Federation, Mr. Halil Akıncı. They were later joined by representatives of EFES group top management. The conversation centered around possible collaboration on new projects, particularly in the field of healthcare.