ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — Barry Callebaut is expanding in Turkey with the planned construction of a chocolate and compounds facility in Eskisehir, which is in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region.

Barry Callebaut said it will invest about 15 million Swiss francs ($16 million) in the plant, which will have an initial capacity of 15,000 tonnes and provide about 50 new jobs. The new plant is scheduled to open in mid-2013.

“The building of a new state-of-the-art chocolate factory in Turkey is another major step in tapping the potential of a rapidly growing region,” said Juergen Steinemann, chief executive officer. “It’s in line with our strategy to further expand our geographic presence to markets that offer above-average growth opportunities. The new production facility will also help to foster our position in the region.”