AK-Kim Invests USD 35 Million in Water Filtration

Ak-Kim invests USD 35 million in water filtration

After five years of development, Ak-Kim has developed a high-performance hollow-fiber membrane module specifically designed for ultrafiltration systems.

With the USD 35 million investment, Ak-Kim has leveraged its expertise in water chemistry to enter high-tech and high-value equipment manufacturing. The Ak-Kim Ultrafiltration Module incorporates numerous innovative features for flawless filtration.

Ak-Kim Kimya began production at its Ultrafiltration Membrane Facility in Yalova. The project, carried out with a USD 35 million investment and five years of R&D work, positions Ak-Kim as a solution partner for institutions and municipalities in the treatment field, which is emerging in Turkey.

Speaking at a press conference held to introduce the Ultrafiltration Module, Ak-Kim Kimya General Manager Onur Kipri noted that the company has invested in the water sector since 2013 in line with its growth strategies, stating: "We have been working with municipalities since the 1990s. In 2013, we established Akferal together with Feralco, Europe's second-largest water chemicals and coagulant producer. Last year, we expanded our product portfolio by acquiring the water treatment division of Dostel group under Akferal. We believe the Ultrafiltration Module will further strengthen our position in this field".

Noting that in R&D work they focus on high-value-added and advanced technology products that only a small number of organizations worldwide can develop, Kipri stated: "As Ak-Kim, we have allocated 4-5 percent of our annual budget to R&D and technology investments.

This figure is around 2.5 percent globally. Our next objective is to follow global trends in sustainable chemicals and develop new biotechnological and nanotechnological products at our R&D Center".

Highlighting that Ak-Kim is the first and only Ultrafiltration Module manufacturer in Turkey and neighboring countries, Ak-Kim Water Solutions Director Alp Sarıoğlu stated: "Worldwide, there are around 12-13 companies capable of producing ultrafiltration modules. Among these companies are global giants like DOW, GE, BASF and Toray. Today, the global UF market grows at an annual rate of 18-19 percent. In our country, we expect the market to reach USD 70 million by 2022.

As Ak-Kim, when our production facility operates at full capacity, we are targeting annual revenue of USD 42-45 million".

Sarıoğlu added that they aim to export 60 percent of production, noting that the company is on the radar of many countries, from Turkish republics to Gulf states, from the United States to India and China.

Ak-Kim Ultrafiltration Module to deliver benefits

The hollow-fiber membrane module manufactured by Ak-Kim performs advanced physical treatment without altering the chemical properties of water.

The product, manufactured for flawless filtration, has numerous innovative features such as high efficiency, high chemical resistance and high fouling capacity. With its strong and flexible fiber structure, the UF module is suitable for use across different water sources.

The UF Module, the most advanced treatment method produced with current technologies, can be used in municipal and industrial water treatment facilities to treat wastewater and bring it into compliance with receiving water discharge standards.

The UF Module stands out in wastewater recovery systems for process and potable water preparation, and is also preferred in the desalination and treatment of seawater.

The Ak-Kim Ultrafiltration Module offers customers long service life, stable water quality, low capital, operating and maintenance costs, and easy installation. It also provides convenience to institutions by requiring minimal space.