Daikin moves forward to make Turkey a hub

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Execs of top Japanese firms plant Sakura cherry trees at a plant in Turkey.

Global Japanese air conditioning giant Daikin is gearing up to turn Turkey into its logistics and productions hub, according to a company press release. By purchasing Airfel, Daikin has made a significant investment in Turkey, and it will hold a press conference on Friday to disclose its investment plans.

Meanwhile, Daikin hosted top level representatives from major Japanese companies like Toyota, Sony, IBM Japan, Sumitomo, Omron Corporation and Art Corporation in Turkey to discuss the future of the world economy, new investment strategies and goals for the coming period.

“Turkey is not only important for Daikin, but because of its strategic location and connection to neighboring countries it has a key role. That’s why we decided to host our consultative committee this year in Turkey,” said Daikin Europe President Masatsugu Minaka. Daikin invested $260 million and began corporate operations in Turkey in 2011, according to the company press release. Minaka said holding the consultative committee in Turkey would act as an impetus for other Japanese firms who might want to invest in the country. The business leaders planted Japanese Sakura cherry trees in the garden of Daikin’s Hendik plant to express their interest in the local market.