We Conducted an Interview with Zafer Keçeler

Interview with Zafer Keçeler Placing great importance on innovation and R&D activities, Dersan has been developing products for the paints and coatings sector for over 20 years. In our interview, Dersan General Manager Zafer Keçeler provided information about the products offered by Dersan.

First, we would like to get to know you. Could you briefly tell us about yourself, your education and your professional background?

I was born in Istanbul in 1980. I began my professional career in 1996 as a machine technician. Since 1996, I have held positions as apprentice, master craftsman, and master instructor at Dersan Makina, and I currently continue my career as the company's General Manager.

Could you describe the development process Dersan has undergone from its founding to today?

Our company was founded in 1980 by our father Kenan Keçeler to carry out subcontract manufacturing for the automotive and machinery industries under the conditions of that time. Until 1996, our company maintained itself through such production, but then changed direction by entering the painting equipment sector with the production of painting machines. Over the past twenty years, our company has increased its experience by producing automatic painting machines, automatic spray guns and nozzles, and with its recent investments, 80 percent of its sales now consist of products that we manufacture ourselves.

We know that Dersan is a company that places importance on innovation and R&D activities. Could you provide information about the products and technologies you have developed?

Our company is essentially an R&D firm. We introduce innovations to the sector each year by developing new products. In addition to our DERMİX AG-4000 AC model spray gun, which is a TUBITAK R&D Success Certificate product we have developed, we now provide complete systems to our customers with the DERMİX SC-A model electronic control unit, which was developed through our company's R&D efforts this year and controls automatic spray equipment. Our R&D personnel continue to work day and night with the excitement of detecting shortcomings in the sector and introducing new products to the market.

Surface treatment and coating sectors in our country are experiencing rapid growth. In this context, what types of products and services does Dersan mainly provide to which sectors?

We provide support and solutions with our spraying systems for painting, humidifying, lubricating and similar applications to the automotive, furniture, food, healthcare, agriculture, forestry, steel and construction sectors. Our main products are Dermix series transfer pumps, painting machines and nozzles, spray and metering guns, humidifying and lubricating nozzles, chocolate and confectionery guns, dough cutting nozzles, and electronic control units that can regulate these products.

Which countries does Dersan export to, and what types of products and services does it provide through exports?

Currently we provide services to Germany, Kazakhstan, UAE, Uzbekistan, Kosovo and Iran for all equipment used in painting, humidifying, lubricating and spraying operations.

Could you provide information about Dersan's environmental policy and sustainability approach? What can you tell us about your efforts regarding worker health and safety?

With our environmentally conscious production certificates, recycling is among our priorities in our production areas, offices and stores. Since the machines we use feature the latest technology, they pose no harm to users or the environment. The health and occupational safety of our employees are among the company's priorities. Our company regularly organizes training on occupational health and safety, and we stay away from production processes and chemicals that threaten human health in production and in the testing stages of manufactured products.

Does Dersan have investments planned for the short and long term, and if so, what are they? What criteria does Dersan use as a basis when planning its investments?

Over the next 2 years, our company intends to strengthen its production by investing in machine tools and measuring instruments in order to increase production capacity and raise our domestic sourcing ratio to higher levels. Additionally, within 8 years our company plans to move to a new building with the aim of bringing together all departments such as sales, service and production. When making investments, our company prioritizes the production of products that will be based first and foremost on the interests of our country and nation, and that will prevent complete dependence on foreign suppliers.