Interview with Ali Tezcan, General Manager of Tezkim

In the interview we conducted, Tezkim General Manager Ali Tezcan answered our questions. Tezcan provided information about Tezkim's products and production capacity.  

Could you briefly tell our readers about yourself, your education and professional background?

I was born in Adana in 1978 and graduated from the Faculty of Business Administration. My mid-level management career began in 2001 with responsibility for the Procurement Department at Tat Nişasta Factory and continued with my appointment as General Manager of Tezkim Factory, one of Turkey's leading biotechnology companies, in 2011, advancing to senior management. In 2020, under my management as General Manager, Tezkim became Turkey's sole citric acid producer and established the Tezkim Citric Acid Factory, commencing citric acid production. I have completed over 21 years in the chemical sector through mid- and senior-level management positions. I continue to carry out my senior management role as top management encompassing quality, production and investment areas, including factory administration. With the pride and confidence that comes from growing up in the company, I am able to be directly involved at every stage of my management processes, and together with my team, we are able to take steps that are safer and stronger.  

Could you provide information about the stages Tezkim has gone through to date, the investments it has made and its current structure? What types of products and services does Tezkim primarily provide to which sectors?

Tezcanlar Investment, operating with more than 10 companies in the chemistry, food, agriculture and health sectors and creating value in all sectors in which it operates, enabled Tezkim to commence operations in 2005 as one of the investments that would shape Turkey's future. One of Turkey's leading biotechnology companies, Tezkim was established in Adana to produce within the framework of sustainability and create added value through its human-respecting, environmentally conscious and customer-focused approach. Taking justified pride in supporting our country's vision for new and renewable energy sources in the areas of agricultural development, preservation of natural balance and reduction of external dependency, Tezkim produces more than 10 products ranging from bioethanol to citric acid, from DDGS to carbon dioxide and from corn bran to ENA (Extra Neutral Alcohol) in 2 facilities. Products manufactured at Tezkim are important raw materials for numerous sectors ranging from food, fuel, cosmetics to personal care products.

Could you provide information about the characteristics and capacities of your production facilities? Could you tell us about your domestic and export sales activities?

In the name of sustainability, recognizing the importance of alternative energy sources, Tezkim completed its bioethanol production facility investment in 2007 and came online to produce approximately 40,000 m3 of bioethanol annually. Bioethanol is first-generation ethyl alcohol obtained through fermentation and distillation of corn kernels. All sales of ethanol used as biofuel are made domestically. The alcohol we call D-type bioethanol is an important raw material for the paint and ink industry. Both domestic and export sales of D-type alcohol produced in Tezkim facilities are taking place. Tezkim continues to work to reduce external dependence regarding ethanol exports. In this context, we plan to bring online within 3 months our facility that will produce alcohol called Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), which is used for the cosmetics sector. Citric acid, naturally found in the structure of plants, is obtained as a result of corn fermentation. Citric acid is an important raw material used in many areas from the food sector to the pharmaceutical sector. The Tezkim Citric Acid Facility operates in an area of 36,000 m2 in the Adana Organized Industrial Zone, has an annual production capacity of 54,000 tons, employs 340 workers and is Turkey's sole citric acid factory. With citric acid production at Tezkim, Turkey experienced a 50 percent decrease in import figures. Additionally, by supplying 40 percent of the citric acid it produces to customers in foreign markets, Tezkim has created a positive impact on Turkey's export figures. Considering these figures, it is understood that Tezkim reduced Turkey's current account deficit by USD 100 million annually in 2021.  

Could you provide information about Tezkim's environmental policy and sustainability approach?

Energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity are of great importance to Tezkim. Tezkim adopts sustainability principles when preparing its strategic plans and making investments. From a sustainability perspective, Tezkim meets part of its facilities' energy needs through the cogeneration system it has established. From the process wastewater, approximately 2,000 kW/hour of energy is obtained from biogas resulting after anaerobic treatment. With awareness of the limited nature of natural resources, Tezkim pursues its mission of implementing better solutions for today and the future, embracing principles of adaptation to climate change and waste reduction at every step. In this context, it continues to work on solutions that will meet the energy needs of factories with solar panels.

What criteria are prioritized when developing Tezkim's investment plans? Does Tezkim have investment plans for the coming periods, and if so, what are they?

Emphasizing biotechnological processes, Tezkim plans to continue its investments in this area without slowing down in the coming years and to take moves that will prevent imports. In the early months of 2023, Tezkim will begin Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) production and by year-end, with a general capacity increase, will become one of Turkey's major bioethanol producers. The Tezkim Citric Acid Facility has succeeded in becoming an important competitor for both European local producers and Chinese producers, both in terms of product quality and shipment quantities. Supply chain disruptions have once again demonstrated the importance of domestic producers. In this context, to completely prevent imports, a 100 percent capacity increase is targeted in 2024 with production volume rising to 100,000 tons/year. Meeting all of Turkey's requirements, Tezkim will thereby become an important player in foreign markets as well.