ŞİŞECAM IS BOLDLY FORGING THE FUTURE THROUGH A PIONEERING SPIRIT OF INNOVATION
Şişecam spearheads an unwavering commitment to innovation, directing its Research and Development strategy towards pioneering value-added products, eco-conscious solutions, and cutting-edge production technologies harnessed from alternative energy sources. In a decisive move to fortify its leadership, Burak Büyükfırat has assumed the role of Chief Research, Development, and Quality Officer at Şişecam.
The Şişecam Science, Technology, and Design Centre, a powerhouse of ingenuity, serves as the incubator for groundbreaking products and technologies. This R-D hub, one of the largest in Europe, is instrumental in developing value-added solutions, efficient energy utilization through integrated furnace models, and pioneering projects in heat transfer efficiency, new refractory materials, and glass melting technologies.
Burak Büyükfırat graduated from Istanbul Technical University, Civil Engineering Department in 1989 and obtained his MBA degree from Oregon State University in 1991. He started his career at Kabelwerk Wagner GmbH & Co KG in Germany as an investment specialist. He joined Sabancı Holding and took roles in Sabancı Cement Group and Akçansa A.Ş. Büyükfırat served as Marketing and Sales Director at Erdemir A.Ş., CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Erdemir Steel Service Center A.Ş., Board Member at Erdemir Romania S.R.L., CEO at Erdemir Engineering A.Ş., Group Technology Coordinator at Erdemir A.Ş., Executive Board Member at Chemson AG Austria and Board Member at Akdeniz Kimya between 2010 and 2017. Büyükfırat had been working as a consultant for Şişecam’s restructuring of production technologies project since 2021. As of 01 February 2024, he assumes the role of Chief Research, Development, and Quality Officer at Şişecam. The recent appointment of Burak Büyükfırat as the Chief Research, Development, and Quality Officer brings a wealth of expertise across diverse sectors such as packaging, mechanical contracting, energy, iron, and steel.
About Şişecam
Şişecam was founded in 1935 to establish Turkey’s glass industry in line with the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a great leader respected worldwide. Today, Şişecam is a major global player in the fields of glass and chemicals. Şişecam is the only global company operating in all core areas of glass production – including flat glass, glassware, glass packaging and glass fiber. Currently, Şişecam ranks among the world’s top two manufacturers of glassware and the top five producers of glass packaging and flat glass. Şişecam is one of the three largest soda producers in the world and the world leader in chromium chemicals. Şişecam plays a leading role in the flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, chemicals, automotive, glass fiber, mining, energy, and recycling business lines. Şişecam operates production facilities in Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Russian Federation, Georgia, Ukraine, Egypt, India, and the USA in addition to Türkiye. Şişecam who takes firm steps towards its goal of becoming one of the world's top 3 manufacturers in its main fields of activity, with its competent human resources and smart technologies, and uninterruptedly continue to transform its digital infrastructure and culture by taking into account the future necessities. Şişecam who has 88 years of experience, more than 25 thousand employees, production activities in 14 countries on four continents, and a sales network of more than 150 countries, continues its growth journey with an inclusive approach that supports the development of company’s entire ecosystem. Şişecam takes responsibility for protecting the planet, empowering society, and transforming life with its CareForNext strategy, which is compliant with and centered around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Şişecam uses all its experience and competencies to promote sustainable development in every aspect. www.sisecam.com.tr/en
