Italian ambassador Marrapodi tours Pirelli’s iconic Izmit factory in Türkiye

Italian Ambassador to Türkiye, Giorgio Marrapodi, visited the Izmit factory of Pirelli Tyres, known as the “Factory of Champions,” which has made significant contributions to the Turkish economy with over 60 years of production history.

On Thursday, Oct. 3, Ambassador Giorgio Marrapodi visited Pirelli’s Izmit factory, where the first local tire in Türkiye was produced.

Ambassador Giorgio Marrapodi was welcomed at the factory by Pirelli Türkiye CEO Gian Paolo Gatti Comini. During the factory visit, Ambassador Marrapodi was briefed on Pirelli’s operations in Türkiye and its extensive experience in motorsports while also closely examining the production processes and safety measures.

He received information about Pirelli’s activities worldwide and in Türkiye. The ambassador was also informed about Pirelli’s sustainability goals and priorities.

Pirelli Plant Manager M. Atilla Gidergi shared important details about the production processes of Pirelli’s motorsport tires and the custom tires specially produced for prestigious car brands.

Ambassador Marrapodi appreciated that the Pirelli Türkiye factory produces motorsport tires for 80% of the world’s most prestigious races and listened to details about Pirelli’s projects with Tubitak, collaborations with universities, and patented projects.

During the visit, Ambassador Marrapodi evaluated the economic relations between Italy and Türkiye, stating: “I am very pleased to visit the Izmit factory of Pirelli, which has been operating in Türkiye for many years and holds an important place in the global motorsports arena.”

He further said that Pirelli’s extensive work, from sustainability-focused projects to partnerships, is a testament to the strong economic relations between the two countries.

“Pirelli’s achievements and innovations further strengthen our confidence in industrial cooperation between Italy and Türkiye. I would like to thank the Pirelli Türkiye team for their efforts in advancing the economic relations between our two countries,” he added.

Omer Degirmenci, Pirelli’s Health, Safety, and Environment Manager, also provided on-site information about Pirelli’s health, safety and environmental policies.

During the factory tour, the speaker mentioned that Pirelli’s Izmit factory entirely sources its electricity usage from renewable resources.

The ambassador and his accompanying delegation wore the necessary safety equipment while inspecting the production area.