Interview with Erhan Aksu, General Manager of Elite Core Makine Türkiye

We conducted an informative interview with Erhan Aksu, General Director of Elite Core Makine Türkiye, regarding his professional background and the company's development from its establishment to the present.

Could you tell our readers about yourself, your educational background and your professional experience in the industry?

First, I must share our pleasure on behalf of myself, my company and our group that you are interested in us. I was born in Istanbul in 1981. My university experience was brief, and I continued my studies at Berlin BTU and still do. After a short military service, I returned to business life, which I had previously left incomplete. Before that, I held various positions ranging from responsibility for the foreign trade department at several prominent companies to general management roles. Having come to understand the realities of business life from my esteemed mentors, and given the circumstances, as well as at the insistence of a dear friend who was also my employer, we officially started in connection element trade and manufacturing in 2006, which I still pursue with passion. There was a preceding phase as well, of course. Subsequently, through serious work and active contacts, we established ourselves in the market, though it was difficult. You know, in the past Turkey's commerce initially created different dynamics, but now everyone can comfortably and easily find raw materials and production partners. We found our place as well. One of our mentors used to say, "New faces and knowledge are proof of positive progress." Later, before joining Elite Core Machinery, where I still work and subsequently became a partner, we were producing connection elements for the country's valuable automotive and white goods manufacturers through our company ERAFORM ENDÜSTRİYEL, also known as ERAENDÜSTRİYEL. Subsequently, following distribution and service operations within Eraform that accelerated Elitecore Machinery China Ltd.'s activities in Europe and Turkey, we decided to establish foam production and processing machinery manufacturing in Turkey.

Could you describe your company's development from its establishment to today? Could you briefly provide information about your company's production focus and market share?

Our establishment dates back to 1998, but although the foundations of both our Chinese and Turkish operations were laid at that time, certifications, design and permits took us through to 2003. We began our initial production in China. This is because, when we look at our partnership shares, we are originally a Chinese company. I would particularly like to emphasize that we are a company with a Chinese and Turkish mix that is development-conscious. There was no machinery manufacturer in Turkey and Europe that had reduced entry costs in the bed manufacturing industry and in the polyurethane foam sector, viewed through the lens of its raw materials, while also achieving quality at the same rate. In fact, everyone seeks shortcuts to produce well. Some are pulled in different directions due to costs, and others due to establishment contacts. One is fast and number one; the other is durable and expensive. In each sector, just as in our situation, there are companies that partner with newly established manufacturers and bring those companies closer to their competitors' levels with lower costs. We are one of the rare machinery manufacturers that, thanks to our service quality and loyal stance, have been able to supply products to all continents for years, not in words but in fact, from both China and Turkey. Our main purpose in Turkey is to be a leading company in CNC manufacturing. Our product that can cut 2.5 x 1.5 meter block foam, your CNC contour cutting horizontal machine, is currently being demonstrated to our valued customers. I think our situation is promising. We always strive for something better and newer.

Could you tell us about your product groups and product features? Which sectors do you serve?

With our products we serve a wide range of sectors from bed manufacturing to furniture manufacturing, from the footwear industry to consumer durables and automotive. Our cutting groups include automatic horizontal and vertical cutting machines, horizontal and vertical CNC machines with endless blade and wire model series, manual horizontal and vertical machines, profile cutting (egg shape cutting machine), angled cutting machines. Our foam manufacturing groups include PU foam (polyether low-pressure machines with endless line and block casting (box casting), rebounded (bonded). Our lamination groups (hot and cold belt lamination) as well as flame lamination, our bed covering group, pillow filling group, edge seaming groups and our projects under development awaiting implementation.

What can you tell us about your sales activities? Which regions do you mainly focus your sales on?

As we mentioned earlier, we have a strong user network on all continents. A solid communication link has been established through the recommendations and guidance of these users. I believe machinery sales, just as in its initial form, will continue to be based on recommendations. However, thanks to you, the press, we are able to introduce ourselves to new investors or keen manufacturers. But recommendations always take priority, of course.

Can we get information about your products that address the polyurethane and composite sector?

Starting with our PU flexible foam manufacturing machines, which we refer to as ECMT-100 and which have 7 different models for us, capable of producing at European width of 2.6 meters, all our machines are within this mentioned sector.

Can you tell us about your R&D activities? Can you provide information about your workforce profile?

We are a total of 6 people in Turkey providing sales, service and assembly support. Our R&D research component is in Turkey and the development and implementation component is in China. Our situation in China was 73 people as of last report. We have 4 principal engineers and assembly technicians, as well as office staff.

What can you say about internal communication in your organization? What efforts are you making to improve employee performance?

In our company, we only talk about the positive. We absolutely do not discuss companies, people or ideas that are deficient, erroneous or accidentally failed. For us, this is almost a golden rule. Our reward management system is shaped by performance, but to achieve this we prepare all our staff through training for competition.

Can you provide information about your company's quality policy and principles?

So that quality does not remain just on paper, we conduct random inspections of every employee, especially our manufacturing department, and follow-up by independent inspectors. Products are examined at 43 different points before shipment. Making quality indispensable to life requires first taking life seriously. When I say seriousness, I don't mean irritability or negative usage. I believe a person's jokes should even carry a hint of intelligence.

Do you provide after-sales support to your customers?

Of course. Who doesn't track what they produce? For example, even when we see our smallest screws in stores, cars or white goods, we are happy.

What activities are you undertaking regarding environmental protection and occupational safety sensitivities?

All details of environmental damage are investigated and investments take shape accordingly.

How was the first half of 2016 for your company? Can you tell our readers about your targets and projects for the polyurethane and composite sector in 2016?

Each time success grows exponentially, if you say we fell short, it means our solid and stable stance continues.

Finally, do you have a message you would like to convey to the industry?

I wish everyone success and well-being.