SEKAP celebrates 50 years with a vision for the future, investments and strong local roots
Marking both the anniversary milestone and nearly eight years since JTI acquired the factory, the company hosted a special event where it presented its strategic vision for sustainable growth and innovation.
Opening the event, Panagiotis Bardakis, who moderated the proceedings, emphasized the importance of honoring both the company’s history and those who continue to shape its future.
“Today we celebrate fifty years of experience, knowledge and contribution to the region. We honor those who laid the foundations and those who continue to write SEKAP’s story,” he said.
In his first official appearance as head of the factory, Abu Rashideh Kazan underlined the strategic importance of the İskeçe plant, stressing JTI’s commitment to top-quality production and long-term sustainability.
JTI Hellas General Manager Janine Neuhaus described the anniversary as a moment to look forward rather than backward, highlighting the company’s awareness of how vital local roots are to its success. She announced that JTI has invested $40 million in the SEKAP factory, underlining that the company’s primary investment is in the future.
Dr. Symeon Sidiropoulos, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communication, stated that the 50-year milestone comes with the responsibility to transition the factory into a new era. He noted that JTI’s acquisition of SEKAP in 2018 was both a challenge and a source of inspiration, leading to significant investments aimed at creating a Japanese-centered hub of excellence, innovation and cooperation with the local community and Democritus University of Thrace.
Speaking in fluent Greek, Japan’s Deputy Ambassador to Greece, Takaaki Nemoto, praised the factory’s contribution to the prosperity of thousands of families in İskeçe and Thrace. He stressed that JTI’s acquisition was not merely a business transaction but a recognition of the region’s history and potential, also applauding the company’s social and environmental initiatives.
Representing the Greek government, Deputy Minister of Development Lazaros Tsavdaridis described JTI’s investment as “a vote of confidence in Greece’s innovation-driven growth,” emphasizing the government’s focus on strengthening a healthy business environment.
Deputy Minister Christos Dermetzopoulos highlighted SEKAP as a historic industrial unit deeply connected to the identity of Thrace and Northern Greece, noting that its success has always been linked to community and collective effort.
Senior executives presented key figures: JTI employs 46,000 people across 130 countries, operates 36 factories and 8 R&D centers worldwide. The İskeçe factory employs 180 workers, nearly half of whom have over 20 years of service, while 74% of its production is exported to major European markets.
Special emphasis was placed on human-centered practices, workplace safety, quality, flexibility and the integration of advanced robotics to improve productivity and working conditions. Since 2024, the factory has been implementing the Integrated Work System (IWS), aiming for full integration by 2028.
Concluding the event, Panagiotis Bardakis stressed that the message is not just congratulations, but continuity:
“Many strong years ahead for SEKAP — more JTI in İskeçe and more İskeçe in JTI.”
The event was attended by regional and local authorities, members of parliament, mayors, institutional representatives and company partners, followed by a guided tour of the modernized production facilities.
