Interview with Eyüp Ensar Ekşi, Managing Partner at Supershield Yapı Kimyasalları

In this interview, Managing Partner of Supershield Yapı Kimyasalları Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. Eyüp Ensar Ekşi answered our questions. Ekşi provided detailed information about the company's characteristics and products.

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

I am Eyüp Ensar Ekşi. I was born in 1979 in Rize. My professional career, which I started in 2000 as a Sales Manager, has progressed through positions as Regional Manager, Sales Manager, Deputy General Manager and General Manager. Currently, I continue my career as General Manager of Ekan Yapı Kimyasalları A.Ş., which we founded in 2015, and as Managing Partner of Supershield Yapı Kimyasalları Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. as of June 2017.

Could you provide information about Supershield's founding process and current structure? How long has it been operating in Turkey?

Supershield was founded in the United States in 1998 and opened its first production facility in India in 2000. In Turkey, Supershield Yapı Kimyasalları Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. began operations as of June 2017. Currently, it is a company operating directly in many countries including Italy, Turkey, India, the United States, Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. Under the heading of building chemicals, it operates with waterproofing products, primarily focused on waterproofing.

What sectors does Supershield primarily serve, and what types of products does it supply? What are Supershield's products, brands and services?

Supershield, whose product range is entirely based on crystalline technology, serves with numerous product groups including Admixplus, Multiseal, Crystal Spray, Crystalguard, Crystalseal, Hardseal, Flexi, Elastakote, and Thermokote. We primarily serve the residential construction sector, including infrastructure work, with our state-of-the-art products to secure waterproofing in all areas containing concrete. Let us briefly discuss some of our products. Supershield Admixplus, our flagship product, is an active-ingredient liquid admixture that makes concrete impermeable, protects it and extends its lifespan. It is suitable for use at construction sites or integrated into industrial systems. Supershield Multiseal is our water-based crystalline product and is applied by spraying onto the surface. It is suitable for waterproofing all areas containing cement and concrete. While creating a water-repellent barrier on the surface, its low viscosity allows it to penetrate deeply, undergo a chemical reaction and provide excellent protection. Supershield Crystalguard - Crystalguard Ultima is a cement-based, single-component, high-concentration crystalline filler material. The product is mixed with water and applied as a slurry to the positive or negative side of concrete. It provides rapid waterproofing of the surface and creates high-level protection. Supershield Hardseal is a crystalline, single-component, transparent, water-based concrete floor hardener that can be used as either a curing material or surface hardener when diluted to specified different ratios. It is a filler material that prevents dusting on concrete substrates. Thanks to its anti-evaporation properties, it ensures concrete curing and prevents shrinkage cracks. Supershield Flexi is a two-component waterproofing membrane composed of liquid polymer and cement-based powder. Since its initial and final adhesion to the surface is excellent, it can be applied to both vertical and horizontal surfaces. It is suitable for surfaces in contact with drinking water and can be applied to areas with cracking problems due to its flexibility. Supershield Thermokote is a multi-purpose liquid waterproofing coating designed for thermal insulation of buildings against heat and cold, functioning at nano-molecular level, blocking 95% of solar thermal energy entering the building through its heat dissipation capability and low thermal conductivity, providing not only thermal insulation but also impermeability, fire resistance and sound insulation.

Could you discuss your domestic and international sales activities? Which regions do you primarily supply what types of products to domestically and internationally?

In the region managed from Italy, which is at the center of the geography in which Turkey is located, product sales are primarily conducted to African countries and the Middle East market. Domestically, our sales are mainly in the Marmara Region, as well as the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions. By year-end, Supershield sales will have begun in every part of the country. Additionally, our sales to countries dependent on Supershield Turkey (Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia) will commence in the near future.

What kind of work do you undertake at Supershield in the areas of innovation and R&D?

Supershield, which has developed the proprietary DPC (Deep Penetration Capillary) technology, has positioned itself differently from competitors through the unique Multiseal technology. Innovation work in the central R&D laboratory is ongoing.

Could you provide information about Supershield's environmental policy and sustainability approach? What can you say about your work regarding occupational health and safety?

Environmental respect is an integral part of Supershield's working principles. The Supershield research and development department researches and develops only products with minimal or zero environmental impact. Supershield products are VOC-free and are designed to prevent environmental pollution. A large portion of our products are water-based. Technologies that respect nature and protect and improve people's lives are used with increasing productivity. Through this responsible approach, Supershield products and systems have gained recognition within the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system, which aims to increase environmental awareness in the construction sector.

Could we learn your thoughts on Turkey's building chemicals and construction sectors? What do you think are Turkey's advantages and disadvantages for these sectors?

The Turkish construction sector is a strong sector showing growth potential based on many years of experience and will continue this potential for a long time to come. We believe that the minor fluctuations or contractions occurring today will not impede the sector's positive macro-scale developments. As a result of the construction sector's considerable size, the building chemicals sector is also continuing to grow significantly. Building chemicals, which have undergone an evolution from classical products to technological products, have gained even greater importance with the changes made to building regulations.

What criteria are prioritized when Supershield formulates investment plans? Does Supershield have investment plans for the coming periods, and if so, what are they?

Market size, development level, demand for innovative products, market opportunities and sustainability are the primary criteria Supershield considers when formulating investment plans. Our priority is to establish a sales network in every corner of Turkey to support our customers with products and services. In the coming years, we will certainly evaluate investment opportunities.