Kaya Tuncer, Chairman of Aegean Free Zone Development and Operating Co. (ESBAS), said five companies, four of them international, have recently decided to invest in the region amidst global financial turmoil. Tuncer stated that the cost of the initial investment will be around EUR 20-30 million, while these companies will create job opportunities for a total of 3000 people. The most important of these companies is the US-based Gates - the world’s leading manufacturer of automotive downstream products, systems and spare parts. In addition to Gates, two companies, namely Keller-Vandaci and Baykal Mobilya, have also decided to make a greenfield investment. (Referans 18.02.2009)