A Legacy of Trust Built on the Strength of a Quarter-Century of Production
Kastamonu Bulgaria Celebrates 25 Years
Kastamonu Bulgaria, the Bulgarian subsidiary of Kastamonu Entegre, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ceremony held in Stara Zagora. Having invested over 200 million BGN in a quarter century and capturing 35% of the national particleboard market, the company is now entering a new era with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and young talents. Speaking at the ceremony, Kastamonu Entegre’s CEO Haluk Yıldız emphasized the company’s commitment to deepening this collaboration, and said, “This facility is not just a factory; it is a powerful symbol of the industrial partnership and shared vision between Turkey and Bulgaria.” Distinguished guests included Mr. Mehmet Sait Uyanık, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sofia, and Mr. Stoyan Toshev, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of Bulgaria.
Kastamonu Bulgaria, the Bulgarian facility owned by Kastamonu Entegre – one of the global leaders in the wood-based panel industry – has marked its quarter-century milestone. The 25th anniversary ceremony in Stara Zagora brought together officials, diplomats, business partners, and employees from Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and North Macedonia. Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Mehmet Sait Uyanık, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sofia, and Mr. Stoyan Toshev, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of Bulgaria.
In his address, Kastamonu Entegre’s CEO Haluk Yıldız underlined that, with 56 years of experience, the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the wood-based panel industry, operating production facilities in six countries and accounting for 7% of global laminate flooring production. “Today, we are not only celebrating the anniversary of an investment, but also the long-term success of a belief, a vision, and a strong partnership. Our presence in Bulgaria goes far beyond a production facility; it also symbolizes the strong friendship we have built between Turkey and Bulgaria, our economic cooperation, and our shared belief in a common future,” said Yıldız.
Mr. Mehmet Sait Uyanık, Turkish Ambassador to Sofia, highlighted that Kastamonu Bulgaria stands as a model of successful economic cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria and plays a key role in regional development.
Mehmet Safaltın, General Manager of Kastamonu Bulgaria, emphasized investments exceeding €100 million, while also drawing attention to the company's dedicated efforts toward sustainable production and education for younger generations.
A production tradition dating back to 1943
The roots of the facility go back to 1943, when the Enchev Brothers established a modest lumber workshop in the region. In 2000, Kastamonu Entegre acquired “Gabrovnitsa AD” for €10 million, marking the beginning of a global vision. In the following years, the company underwent a comprehensive technological transformation through high-capacity melamine press lines, energy efficiency projects, and an €8 million “Dry Area” upgrade implemented between 2007 and 2024.
With the EU-funded “Recycle” project set to launch in 2025, Kastamonu Bulgaria is preparing to increase the use of recycled materials. Having invested more than 200 million BGN and created over 85 new jobs, the company has reached a scale capable of meeting 35% of Bulgaria’s particleboard market on its own.
As Kastamonu Bulgaria leaves behind its 25th anniversary as a milestone that will inspire future success, it steps into a new era driven by a vision focused on investment in innovation, sustainability, and young talents.
