We Conducted an Interview with Mr. İbrahim Barbaros

We conducted an interview with İbrahim Barbaros, General Manager of Hicri Ercili. Barbaros described Hicri Ercili's production and services.

Could you briefly tell our readers about yourself, your education and professional background?

I was born in Bandırma in 1976. After graduating from Trakya University's Faculty of Business Administration, I began my career in the Finance Department at Hicri Ercili Ltd. After serving in various positions, I currently continue as General Manager and Board Member of our company, Hicri Ercili A.Ş.

When was Hicri Ercili founded? Can you provide information about the company's history, investments made and its current structure?

Founded in the early 1970s, Hicri Ercili began its growth trajectory with chemical transportation, spare parts sales and Petrol Ofisi fuel station operations. In the 2000s, this growth accelerated with the import of other chemical substances, with sulfuric acid as the priority, forming the foundation of today's development. Hicri Ercili operates in multiple sectors. Hicri Ercili is Turkey's largest aluminum sulfate producer. The company exports to more than 140 countries worldwide and continues its operations. Our facility handles 1.2 million tons of sulfuric acid annually. The main feature of our operations is the comprehensive organization spanning the entire process from transporting the product from its source using our own vessels, storing it in our own storage tanks, to delivery to the end user with our own vehicles. Hicri Ercili is Turkey's first company with TSE-approved ADR-certified sulfuric acid and ammonia tank production. It also holds the first ISO tank production approvals, with production starting shortly. At the beginning of this year, our company commissioned aluminum sulfate production and tank farm facilities in Yumurtalık Free Zone, and will launch new initiatives in exports. Additionally, through companies established in Chicago, USA, the Netherlands and Bulgaria, it aims to enter new markets in both America and Europe. Our company is committed to serving our country to the best of our ability with a workforce that is growing, developing and specializing day by day.

Can you provide information about the products and services offered by Hicri Ercili? In which regions do you operate domestically and internationally?

Hicri Ercili operates not only in the chemical sector, but also in domestic and international logistics, cold storage, shipyard and maritime services, ADR tank and trailer manufacturing, and fuel distribution. Additionally, Hicri Ercili's Cold Storage Facilities are the largest cold storage facilities in Turkey and the Balkan Region. Hicri Ercili group companies, based in Bandırma, operate at 12 locations including Çorlu, İzmit, Yalova, Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye, Istanbul, Amsterdam-Netherlands, Chicago and Houston-United States, and Sofia-Bulgaria, continuing their "organic growth" by using resources efficiently and through their own operations.

Can you provide information about Hicri Ercili's environmental policy and sustainability approach?

Our company, which was the first in Turkey to obtain NSF certification—a standard demonstrating hygienic conditions in food and water products that is recognized in virtually all parts of the world—holds all relevant certifications in this regard. As Hicri Ercili, with the aluminum sulfate we produce and use in the treatment of drinking and utility water, we demonstrate considerable sensitivity to environmental responsibility, particularly by protecting our water resources, which are essential for all living things. In the coming periods, we will also undertake and share with the public many projects related to this commitment.

What kinds of investments is Hicri Ercili planning for the coming periods? Which criteria do you prioritize when planning your investments?

We produce aluminum sulfate chemical used in the treatment of our water, humanity's most important consumption and life source, and our goal is to become a world leader in this field. Our other objectives include manufacturing our own vessels at our shipyard and increasing the number of ships in our fleet in maritime operations. Beyond these, as Hicri Ercili, we understand how important education is for the development of societies and we support all areas of education. We give special attention to ensuring that our investments are in the field of education. Under social responsibility projects in this field, Hicri Ercili Bandırma Children's Homes for our orphaned children and Hicri Ercili Bandırma Special Education Application School for our children with special needs have commenced operations. Additionally, Hicri Ercili TED Bandırma College, established within our company structure and officially inaugurated recently, is operating in our district. In the very near future, we will also bring TED College to Balıkesir and put it into operation.