Operating in a factory of 14 thousand sqm, Ozen company supplies special yarns to firms both in domestic market and abroad.
Adnan Turker, manager of domestic sales, introduced his company and the products they sell.
On history of the sector
I joined to Ozen company seven years ago. I witnessed almost all phases of development and production processes in textile industry in Turkey. At the beginning there were limited variety of products. In time, products and qualities have been proliferated and still we can develop new yarns.
On history of the company
It started in a small shop in Mercan, Istanbul, for yarn trade in 1972. Founders, Hasan Huseyin Kalkan and Mehmet Ali Kalkan, both are chemical engineers, started their first production in a small workshop in Kumkapi, Istanbul, in 1975. Two years later, one of the first dyeing plants in Turkey, Ozen Dyeing was established then in 1980 the factory was moved to Bayrampasa to produce wider range of sewing yarns. High strength polyester sewing yarns were added to product portfolio in 1990.
With the participation of second generation of family members in 1997, the company raised its targets towards world markets. By participating fairs and research and development activities, the company has even expanded its manufacturing base up to 14 thousand sqm and it was realized in 2013 in Kirac, Istanbul.
On latest additions to product portfolio aiming to bedding industry
For bed manufacturers we have had only products limited to multi-needle quilt machinery. Later on, we added other products needed by the industry, including shuttled, looper, multi or single needle, tape edge, splicer types. We have special yarns that are gilded, aromatic, flame retarded, water-proof (hydro repellent) for manufacturing firm. The flame-retarded yarns are the latest addition to our line.
On export markets
About 60 percent of our production is exported. Middle East, Europe, North Europe, Russia, North Africa and North America are our export regions. We sell them under local brands in different countries.
General comments for the future
We want to participate foreign fairs and to focus on national companies who sell in export markets and to expand our coverage and sales in foreign countries. In the first quarter of 2014 we have participated in four fairs in abroad and one fair in Turkey.
The main problem for the industry is to find experienced labor. Costs of production can be a problem as well. We need more cooperation among all partners in improving productivity and profitability.