We performed an enjoyable interview with Mrs. Özlem Esen who is R&D and Quality Group Manager of Evyap Company. And talked about development process of the company, areas of activity and the great success of Duru.
Can you tell us about yourself and your proffessional background?
I am graduated from Chemical Engineering at Istanbul University. I am Chemical Engineer with MSc degree and after working at various R&D positions, now I have been working as R&D and Quality Group Manager.
Could you please tell about Evyap’s 92-year journey? What is the formula of Evyap’s numerous successes during this long journey?
In our journey starting with soap, we are a company that has a product line comprising all cosmetic categories and diapers except colorful cosmetics and achieved to manage them in different international locations.
Evyap’s significant success in its journey of 92 years is the fact that we can produce these products at the same quality in our locations of different countries.
In this process, Evyap has successed by providing a good technical knowledge and investing towards its brands. Briefly, we have a history that has obtained an achievement thanks to being a company that can make good brand and product portfolio management simultaneously.
In addition, the high level of employee loyalty and corporate commitment are among the factors that increase our success rate. The high satisfaction of the employees is quite evident in Evyap.
What are your products and in which sectors are you active?
Beside Evyap Sabun Yağ&Gliserin San. ve Tic. in FMCG field, Evyapport is an important business in field of logistics. Evyapport is the closest container port to Ankara with the advantage of providing transportation to inside regions of Turkey. Evyap also operates in the construction sector.
In FMCG under the brand of Arko Nem; skin care creams, sun care products; under the brands Arko Men and Gibbs, men care products are included, while under Duru, Fax and Activex brands solid-liquid soap, cologne and shower gels;
under Evy Baby baby diapers and wet wipes with Evy Baby; under Sanino brand oral care products are managed. In the category of deodorant and perfume, Privacy, First Class, Emotion, Blade and Bellisima are our brands in Evyap.
What are your domestic and international sales activities? To which category do you export your products in the foreign market?
We produce and sell all the products we produce in 150 countries in the same quality according to country groups. Evyap is a leader in beauty soaps, skin care products, shaving preparation, and aftershave categories.
In soap category our Duru, Fax and Arko brands are 2nd in the international market including countries as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, Poland, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Albania, Moldova, and many others.
In preparation to shave category our Arko brand is one of the most effective one in Russia, Ukraine in addition to Middle Asia and Middle East. Also, Sanino is the most preffered toothpaste market in Ukraine.
Could you please tell about success story of Duru Hand Soaps from 1967 to present, and milestones in this period?
In fact, the basis of Duru hand soaps was established in 1927. However, in 1967, the first step in the branding process was taken and Evyap started to introduce its soap history with advertisements under the Duru brand.
Evyap achieved to obtain the technical knowledge to operate the soap production with both animal and plant based oil.
Then, under the brand name Duru, hair care products, liquid soap and shower gel were started to be produced. Finally, the new natural laundry cleaning product, soap-based Duru Granular detergent has taken place on shelves.
This is very enjoyable test that you have prepared to help your customers find the most suitable soap. A little bit from this project can you tell us?
Cosmetics addresses senses and emotions as well as their functions. Since our characters play a role in determining our cosmetic choices, our consumers enjoy and familiarize our products through this test.
What is your opinion on R&D?
In 1989, Evyap decided to manage the R&D functions separately. This year, according to establishment, we are celebrating 30th anniversary of R&D; and 5th anniversary of R&D center.
Especially in 2014, we entered a period in which we started realizing the breakthroughs with our R&D center. In the last 5 years, we had an advancement for the information we have obtained from 25 years in various markets up to 2014 through both university and communications with suppliers.
What are the future investment you want to make to R&D next year? What are the innovations that your investment will offer to your products and customer?
We aim to increase the number of PhD employees and encourage current employee for master and doctorate programs in order to strengthen the research area which Evyap pioneers for cosmetic category in Turkey.
You are conducting a social responsibility project in many areas. Could you tell us about your social responsibility projects?
Evyap has undertaken significant social responsibility projects especially in the field of education. Tenzile Ana Primary School and Tenzile Ana Secondary School (Van-Erciş), Mehmet Rıfat Evyap Anatolian Technical and Industrial High School (Ayazağa), Hedise Evyap Primary School (İzmit), Mürüvvet Evyap Mentally Handicapped Rehabilitation Center (Kocaeli) Our schools are transferred to government.
As Evyap Foundation, we aimsto reach both our employees and those in need.
What are your social responsibility projects that are expected to be completed in the next years?
Evyap aims to carry out more projects focusing on children. Our last project “Boxes of Happiness” continues to send gifts to Darülaceze and various schools by support of our employees.
