Italian Order of Merit Awarded to Haluk Yıldız

Italian Order of Merit Awarded to Haluk Yıldız

Kastamonu Entegre CEO’s Haluk Yıldız was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the highest honorary award given by the Italian State in a limited number, for his efforts to solidify commercial and social relations between Turkey and Italy. At the ceremony organized by the Italian Embassy in Ankara at the Venetian Palace, Haluk Yıldız was presented the Order of Merit by Giorgio Marrapodi, the Italian Ambassador to Turkey. Speaking at the ceremony, Yıldız said, “There are robust trade relations and significant investments between the two countries. We are ready to fulfill the duties of the business world, namely our part, to carry this relation even further.”

The Order of Merit, which is the most prestigious award given by Italy to distinguished people in literature, art and economy along with individuals displaying outstanding service in public and military fields, was awarded to Kastamonu Entegre's CEO Haluk Yıldız this year. Europe's third largest and the world's fourth largest manufacturer of MDF and particleboard main product lines thanks to its overseas investments that have been ongoing for over 25 years, Kastamonu Entegre started manufacturing in Italy by acquiring in 2017 Gruppo Trombini, Italy's third largest particleboard manufacturer, and became the largest Turkish investor in Italy with this investment. Kastamonu Entegre has €215 million worth investment in Italy.

Haluk Yıldız, CEO of Kastamonu Entegre that also has a design center with a total area of 2 thousand sqm in Italy considered the heart of the global furniture industry and the hub of fashion and design, stands out as the figure who plans and executes all operations of the corporation in Italy.

Haluk Yıldız indicated that he was proud to be awarded the Italian Order of Merit and said, “Italy is a pivotal market for the forest products industry, especially furniture. It is of great value to us, as Kastamonu Entegre, to be one of the strong players in such a crucial market. Thanks to the activities we carry out, we also contribute to the commercial culture of two friendly and allied countries, Türkiye and Italy. There are robust trade relations and significant investments between the two countries. We are ready to fulfill the duties of the business world, namely our part, to carry this relation even further.”

Stating that Italy has always attracted his personal interest with its deep-rooted civilization and contributions to the history of humanity, Yıldız said “Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean with its splendid geography, rich culture and solid economy. It is very valuable to be a part of this unique culture, which is respected worldwide with its cities looking like open-air museums, its contributions to human heritage and its gastronomy, even through trade. We will continue to work heart and soul to improve these trade relations between the two deep-rooted countries in the Mediterranean.”