In Turkey which has recorded a considerable growth in the field of construction, technical textile manufacturers operating in this field are also affected positively. Offering lamination and coating services in the sector, Arteks stands out with its important investments since 2000. Starting to manufacture technical textiles and lamination after it was established by Mehmet Ali Efek, the firm strengthens its position in the sector with the brand of Layer since 2007. This technology named as “breathable Water Insulation Cover” stands out as one of the most important technical textile materials used in the construction sector. Known as the single manufacturer of Layer in Turkey, Arteks has a new product named Bluefex apart from this product. This product is also used as water insulation material.
Layer Ensures Air Permeability
Making important assessments about employees of the firm to our magazine, Production and Marketing Director Şefik Gökçimen shared some special information with us from product range of Arteks to its market expectations. Expressing that Layer is one of the most popular products in the construction sector, Gökçimen also added that this product is largely used in facade systems. Recording that they offer solutions for problems including heat retention and permeability, Gökçimen continued as follows: “Vapor-permeable feature of the product prevents air flow from passing through the wall. It retains the accumulating water and rain coming with wind and prevents moisture vapor from passing out. In Layer, we make two different productions. The first one of these is Layer 100 water insulation covers. With this product, we offer insulation solutions in the fields including metal roof, roof and curtain wall. The other product is Layer 130 and it eliminates permeability by being covered under the roof tiles. With Layer 130, water which can leak into the roof through the roof tiles is blocked. The product also ensures the roof to take the air and prevents corrosion of wooden materials and heat insulation.”.
Bluefex Stands Out with its Three-Layer Structure
Reporting that they continue operating with Bluefex which is a new product segment following Layer, Gökçimen explained that this product adheres more strongly to surfaces owing to fibrous feature of its two layers manufactured as three-layers. Expressing that the product provides a definite solution in places where water accumulates, Gökçimen listed the usage areas of Bluefex as terraced roof, shearwalls, soil roof and garden terrace, water tanks, beneath of all types of tiles, sides of bath traps, pools and beneath ofceramic and marble surfaces.
20 % of the Production is Exported
Emphasizing the importance of raw material supply in production in addition to the usage areas, Gökçimen stated that delivery of the requested product on time is of great importance. Expressing that commercial relations with firms operating at home and abroad, Gökçimen stated that they work with Hassan Group from Turkey in terms of raw material supply. Stressing that annual production capacity is 3.000.000 square meters in Layer product range, Gökçimen continued as follows: “We continue working to strenthen Layer brand abroad. We directed almost 20 % of the production of this product to export in 2012. Countries standing out in terms of export figures are Balkan countries, Russia and Ukraine. We pay a great importance to market expansion efforts. We support these efforts with fair participations. We want to introduce our products by participating in Techtextil fair to be held in Germany.”.
Emphasizing that they have accelerated their efforts to find markets, Gökçimen also reported that new production studies also continue. Expressing that they have brought a new life to the market with Bluefex, Gökçimen said that: “After the newly established Bluefex production line, we will continue our new investments in 2013.”.
European Companies Sell Low-Quality But Expensive Products
Expressing that Turkish consumers compare the products with European products, Gökçimen stated that: “Although the quality of imported goods is low than ours and they are more expensive, consumers prefer European-origin goods. This affects our sales negatively. However, we offer local service to firms which are obliged to make bulk buying and reduce their dependency on Europe.”.
Emphasizing that Turkey has grown incredibly in the construction field in the last 10 years, Gökçimen expressed that they, technical textile manufacturers, are positively affected by this situation. Pointing out to the fact that there is a quantitative growth in Turkey despite this positive atmosphere, Gökçimen used the following remarks: “What matters is not quantitative growth, firms should carry out careful activities to increase the product quality. Thus, construction companies should certainly solve the insulation problem. At this point, we are ready to fulfill our tasks and responsibilities completely.”.
We will Change the “Classical Perception” together with the Capacity Increase of 2013
Reminding that products continue evolving in the Turkish market, Gökçimen stated that they have certain problems in reaching customers. Expressing that their biggest obstacles are insistance on using the classical methods and refraining from trying new products, Gökçimen concluded this remarks by saying: “We think that, in parallel to the increased consciousness level, interest in our products will also increase. Besides, we target serious increases in capacity usage in 2013. The main factor of this increase will be demand increase in the domestic market. We also work hard in terms of export. However, our prioritised target is to introduce our products in the domestic market and to reach all the consumers. Demand will increase automatically if we can introduce ourselves properly.”.
