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Turkey’s iron casting industry is a critical segment of the country’s manufacturing sector, renowned for its diverse range of products, innovation, and adherence to quality. Turkey stands as a significant player in the global iron casting industry, housing specialized foundries like Döktaş, Trakya Döküm, and Ferro Döküm, which serve diverse sectors such as automotive and construction.
Boasting impressive production capacities and integrating advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship, these foundries produce high-quality castings and contribute uniquely to Turkey’s industrial prominence. The industry’s commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in its collaborations with renowned European brands and its consistent ranking among Turkey’s top industrial entities.
Turkish Iron Casting Sector
The foundry sector and craft in Turkey, with its deep-rooted historical background, was developed during the industrialization period.
Turkey has reached an important position in Europe and the world by developing with private enterprise investments.
- Over the decades, the annual capacity of these foundries has soared, now exceeding 30,000 tons.
- 15 firms with an annual capacity of over 30,000 tons collectively account for 58% of Turkey’s total foundry capacity.
- In addition, 17 firms with a capacity ranging between 10,000 and 30,000 tons represent 13% of the national capacity.
- Altogether, these 32 establishments represent a whopping 71% of Turkey’s iron foundry capacity.
- A significant portion of the output from these foundries caters to the automotive, truck, and home appliance sectors.
- Among these industrial groups are foundries that manufacture finished products, with the majority having become reliable suppliers for major manufacturers across European nations.
Iron Casting Brands in Turkey
1. Döktaş
Nestled in the heart of Turkey, Döktaş stands as the epitome of superior iron casting. Established in 1973, it has carved a niche in producing a variety of castings, notably for the automotive and heavy commercial vehicles sector. Not just a foundry, Döktaş symbolizes a legacy of quality and innovation, playing a pivotal role in the iron industry of Turkey.
- Founded: 1973, in Bursa Orhangazi
- Specialization: Pig, ductile, and aluminium castings
- Industries Served: Automotive, heavy commercial vehicles, construction, and agricultural machinery
- Ownership: Member of Çelik Holding as of June 29, 2018
- Capacity: Not specified
- Notable Achievements: Acquired by Finnish Componenta Corporation in 2006
- Products: Engine blocks, cylinder heads, gear box housings, brackets, hubs, axle beams, differential housing, and a diverse range for construction and mining.
2. Trakya Döküm
Trakya Döküm, a part of the esteemed Soyak Group, blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, producing high-quality ductile, grey, and malleable irons. Positioned 140km west of Istanbul, it stands as a beacon of excellence and a testament to Turkey’s industrial prowess in the casting domain.
- Founded: 1980
- Specialization: High-quality ductile, grey, and malleable irons
- Industries Served: Automotive, white goods, hydraulics, construction, agriculture, and more
- Location: Lüleburgaz, 140km west of Istanbul
- Capacity: 75,000 tonnes of finished castings a year
- Awards: Consistently ranks among the top 500 industrial companies in Turkey
- Unique Selling Proposition: Serves as a “Development Partner”, not just a supplier
3. Ferro Döküm
Since 1970, Ferro Döküm has been at the forefront of casting innovation, producing a wide array of parts ranging from axial housings to exhaust manifolds. With an annual capacity of 80,000 tons, it’s a testament to Turkey’s steadfast commitment to quality and precision in the casting sector.
- Founded: 1970
- Specialization: Wide range of casting parts
- Industries Served: Automotive, machinery, electricity, hydraulic, and construction
- Capacity: 80,000 tons annually
- Product Range: Axial housings, brake discs and drums, transmission housings, hydraulic housings and pistons, crank shafts, levers, gear boxes, and more.
4. Demisas
Established in 1974, Demisas has been a vanguard in pushing the boundaries of iron casting production. With its commitment to excellence and innovation, it has emerged as a leading entity in the European foundry industry, contributing significantly to the growth and development of Turkey’s industrial sector.
- Founded: 1974
- Specialization: Gray, ductile and CGI iron castings
- Industries Served: Automotive, refrigeration, heavy vehicle, and more
- Capacity: More than 80,000 tons annually
- Achievements: First and unique European foundry entitled to Award for Excellence in Consistent TPM Commitment by JIPM (Japanese Institute of Plant Maintenance)
- Market Position: Stocks listed in Istanbul Stock Today, collaborated with renowned European automotive industry brands.
5. Ay Dokum
Ay Dokum, based in Ankara-Turkey, epitomizes the finesse and quality of gray and ductile cast iron. Specializing in both raw and machined castings, it’s a name synonymous with reliability and precision, reflecting the rich industrial heritage of Turkey.
- Location: Ankara, Turkey
- Specialization: Gray and ductile cast iron, raw and machined castings
6. Korfez Casting
With a focus on alloyed steel castings, Korfez Foundry stands out for creating effective business solutions, especially for the cement and mining industry. Exporting 90% of its products to over 80 countries, it’s a symbol of Turkey’s global footprint in the casting industry.
- Specialization: Alloyed steel castings, heat resistant, wear and impact resistant steel castings
- Industries Served: Cement and mining
- Export: 90% of products to more than 80 countries
- Capacity: 800 tons monthly, with unit weights between 0.5 to 8,000 kgs
7. Akis Casting
Beginning as a small foundry in Konya in 1978, Akis Foundry has expanded its horizons with four factories, specializing in a myriad of products including elevator engines, heavy vehicle group brake components, and more. It’s a testament to Turkey’s industrial versatility and commitment to quality in casting.
- Founded: 1978, in Konya
- Expansion: 4 factories located in Konya 3rd and 4th Organized Industrial Zones
- Specialization: Elevator engines, heavy vehicle group brake components, elevator cable production, and casting products for different sectors
TL;DR
Turkey houses several prestigious iron casting foundries, each unique in its specialization and contribution to various industries. Döktaş, Trakya Döküm, Ferro Döküm, Demisas, Ay Dokum, Korfez Casting, and Akis Casting stand as pillars of this industry, showcasing the diversity and quality of Turkish iron craftsmanship.