Ortakçı, which produces glass for the automotive sector, will launch new products to the market this year. Bertan Ortakçı, Chairman of Ortakçı Cam, stated that the products in question are flat tempered and multi-axis curved automotive glasses with thicknesses of 3 mm and 3.2 mm. He mentioned that they produced 140,000 units in 2017. Ortakçı noted that exports increased by 25 percent and their revenue by 15 percent in 2017, adding, "In 2017, we opened the door for the first export to the US market. In December 2017, we signed agreements for two glass tempering plants and a printing machine investment in this market. This year, we will focus more on the US."
Bertan Ortakçı stated that their exports in the first four months of this year were parallel to the same period in 2017, saying, "We want to increase our business volume towards the US. We foresee that we can create opportunities for export in many sectors in the US, which is a central country for trade. On the other hand, we aim to increase our share in the European market." Bertan Ortakçı stated that as of today, they channel 15 percent of their production to exports and send products to 12 countries, mainly in Europe. He noted that Spain, Italy, and Germany stand out among the countries they export to.
Bertan Ortakçı stated that they have a monthly production capacity of approximately 50,000 square meters of automotive glass and operate in the İnegöl Organized Industrial Zone with a team of 280 people in a closed area of 27,000 square meters. Ortakçı mentioned that they do not foresee growth in the domestic market in 2018, adding, "Most producers try to manufacture safely. Election periods are always stagnant. Additionally, continuous increases in raw material and labor costs due to exchange rate fluctuations lead to high inflation rates. Therefore, this year we want to maintain our current structure apart from exports. We will invest in high technology and are also making an investment in a production tracking system."
