Schmalz stands out with its wide product range

Schmalz Turkey General Manager Tahir Kavak shared insights into the company's operations and products. Kavak discussed Schmalz's history spanning over 100 years and provided detailed information about the products and technologies they have developed.

Schmalz is a long-established company in the sector. Could you provide information about Schmalz's development from its founding to the present? When did Schmalz Turkey begin operations?

Schmalz is a family-owned company founded in 1910 in Glatten, a city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and specializes in vacuum technology and ergonomic material handling systems. The company has a history spanning over 100 years with its headquarters in Glatten. Schmalz operates its own companies in 31 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,800 people globally. Schmalz established a company in Turkey in 2008 to provide direct support to its customers in the Turkish market. The company's operations in Turkey focus on vacuum technology and ergonomic material handling systems. We have two main business divisions: vacuum automation and ergonomic handling systems. Our vacuum automation division offers a wide product range including components and robotic gripper systems, along with fastening solutions for gripping workpieces. Our handling systems division provides innovative transport solutions, including vacuum lifters and crane systems for industrial and manual applications. Schmalz's energy storage division is creating a new field in stationary energy storage. In addition to maintaining an extensive global network, the company provides reliable vacuum technology solutions for industrial applications through its customer-focused approach and long-standing experience. [caption id="attachment_160013" align="aligncenter"] Schmalz Turkey General Manager Tahir Kavak[/caption]

What types of solutions does Schmalz produce for which industries? Could you provide detailed information about the products and technologies you offer specifically to the chemical sector?

Schmalz stands out as a company offering a wide product range and solutions for various industries. It is particularly known for its products successfully used in the automotive, electronics, food, wood, aviation and chemical sectors. Schmalz makes significant contributions to industries through the solutions it provides in vacuum automation, handling systems and energy storage. In the chemical industry, the safe and efficient transport of materials in production processes is a delicate operation. To address this need, Schmalz enables the transport of various materials through vacuum lifting systems. Schmalz provides specialized vacuum solutions for use in chemical sector production processes. Manual vacuum lifting devices, particularly in explosive atmosphere areas, ensure the safe transport of difficult materials. We prioritize safety standards and determine site requirements accordingly. Schmalz's vacuum lifting systems enable the safe transport of various materials in the chemical industry. Raw material bags, cardboard boxes, barrels, containers and similar items can be lifted and transported or positioned using the power of vacuum technology. In particular, Schmalz's complete stainless steel solutions and handling systems compatible with Ex-Proof areas are designed to meet the special requirements of the chemical industry. These solutions are resistant to demanding conditions in industrial environments and can be safely used in hazardous areas. Schmalz's vacuum lifting systems provide valuable solutions to increase production efficiency in the chemical industry, optimize material handling processes and provide a safe working environment. Schmalz's technological innovations and sector experience continue to demonstrate its leadership in providing reliable solutions tailored to industry needs.

Could you provide examples of innovations and R&D activities you have undertaken at Schmalz?

We allocate 9% of our annual revenue to research and development of new ideas and products. Schmalz combines its experienced developer network with a creative startup mentality to encourage innovative solutions. Schmalz developers worldwide rapidly, actively and purposefully transform ideas into new products. In particular, next-generation intelligent products we have launched for the robotics industry play a pioneering role in enabling data control and analysis while providing high efficiency and performance in production.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. In this context, what approach does Schmalz take?

As a company that embraced sustainability long before it became popular, our company has adopted an efficient and resource-preserving management approach since its founding in Glatten, Schmalz's headquarters, in 1910. This has been one of our core principles, and sustainability has a long tradition at Schmalz, becoming a success factor against global changes. Today, while we face different challenges than 100 years ago, the concept of sustainability serves as a compass for us regarding economic, ecological and social matters. When economic success, ecological responsibility and social commitment come together as an integrated system, we can create a solid foundation in the long term. Our company adopts this holistic approach by integrating sustainability measures within the Schmalz ecosystem. At Schmalz, comprehensive and sustainable corporate governance is a visible sign of our company's commitment.

Do you have investment plans for the coming periods, and if so, what are they?

Last year, Schmalz Group expanded by integrating two important companies globally. These acquisitions include Sweden-based Binar Handling, which offers state-of-the-art technology in ergonomic handling. Binar Handling is a technology company known for its electric balancer systems. The other acquisition is UK-based Palamatic, which stands out with its unique services that fully meet the needs of the chemical-pharmaceutical sector and are supported by internationally valid certifications. As Schmalz Group, with these two leading technology companies, we now have the opportunity to provide customers with more specialized and efficient services, particularly for application solutions in their respective sectors. Through these strategic acquisitions, Schmalz Group has enhanced its ability to offer customers a broader product range and more comprehensive services in areas of expertise.