AN INDUSTRIAL STORY GROWING WITH PRODUCTION:
ÖZLİDER PLASTİK
Founded in 1983 with the production vision of the late Cevat Güleç, Özlider Plastik ranks today among Turkey's leading plastic manufacturers with its facilities in Istanbul, Bursa, and Romania. Sharing the process extending from Özlider Plastik's foundation story to its export vision and digital transformation investments, Chairman of the Board Serkan Güleç evaluates industrialism around the axis of production, employment, and adding value to the country.
We talked with Serkan Güleç, Chairman of the Board of Özlider Plastik, one of the well-established manufacturers of the Turkish plastics industry, on many topics ranging from the company's foundation story to its export vision, digital transformation investments, and the structural problems of the sector.
The journey of Özlider Plastik, whose foundations were laid in 1983 with the late Cevat Güleç's belief in production and which has evolved from a small workshop into an international-scale manufacturing structure today, also sheds light on the transformation of Turkish industry. Possessing a wide production network extending from automotive to medical, logistics to the defense industry with its facilities in Istanbul, Bursa, and Romania, the company maintains its focus on value-added production and exports.
In our interview, Serkan Güleç evaluated not only the company's growth strategies but also the global competitiveness of the Turkish plastics industry, the impact of digitalization on production processes, and the core problems faced by the sector such as financing, costs, and skilled labor. Emphasizing that he sees the production culture inherited from his father as a responsibility, Güleç defined industrialism on the axis of "adding value to the country and generating employment."
Sharing his goals for the next five years, such as technology investments, automation systems, and the expansion of export markets, this interview we conducted with Güleç provides an important framework for understanding both the institutionalization story of a family business and the point Turkey's production power has reached.
Could you briefly share with us the foundation story of Özlider Plastik and the point it has reached today?
The foundations of Özlider Plastik were laid in 1983 with our late father Cevat Güleç's belief in production and his goal of adding value to his country. Starting in a small workshop, this journey has evolved today into becoming one of Turkey's prominent plastic manufacturers. With our facilities in Istanbul, Bursa, and Romania, we manufacture for many sectors ranging from automotive to medical, logistics to the defense industry. We continue our activities in approximately 70 thousand square meters of indoor space with high technology and a sustainable production approach.
What would you like to say about Özlider Plastik's export vision? Which markets are you focusing on?
We view export not merely as a commercial activity, but also as a strategic area that carries Turkey's manufacturing power to the world. We have a strong organization in the Eastern European market via Romania, especially centered around Europe. We focus on high value-added production, particularly in the automotive sub-industry field.
How do you view the impact of digitalization and automation in the sector? How is your company adapting to this transformation?
Competition in the sector is no longer determined solely by production capacity; it is defined by speed, efficiency, quality, and data management. Digitalization, automation, and Industry 4.0 practices have become an indispensable reality of industry. To adapt to this transformation, we constantly renew our machinery park, investing in Robotic Systems and smart manufacturing technologies. By digitally tracking our production processes with the MES program, we make instant data management, production planning, and quality control processes more efficient. Thus, we both increase operational efficiency and strengthen our sustainable quality standard.
How do you evaluate the current state of the plastics industry in Turkey today?
The Turkish plastics industry is positioned today as one of Europe's most important manufacturing centers. Particularly flexible production capability, a young labor force, and our industrialists' solution-oriented approach provide significant advantages. However, the sector needs to steer toward higher technology, branding, and value-added production. It is essential that we transform into a structure that not only manufactures but also develops technology.
What do you think are the biggest structural problems of industrialists manufacturing in Turkey?
Predictability ranks at the top of the most important problems. Industrialists want to make long-term plans, but they occasionally experience serious uncertainties regarding costs, financing conditions, and exchange rate balances. Alongside this, energy costs, the need for skilled labor, and access to finance are among the core issues facing the manufacturer.
How do recently rising costs, energy prices, and access to finance issues affect your production processes?
Like everyone engaged in manufacturing, we are directly affected by these processes. Especially energy costs and the difficulties experienced in accessing finance lead us to make investment decisions more cautiously. However, we also view crisis periods as an opportunity for transformation. We place weight on efficiency-enhancing investments, energy savings, and sustainable production models.
What is the place of your late father in your business life? Would you share with us the most important teaching you received from him?
My father was not just a founder for us, but also an example of character and struggle. He always taught us the importance of honesty, hard work, and producing. The phrase "If you do your job right, trust will be your greatest capital" has guided me throughout my life. In every step we take today, we feel his labor and vision. The greatest legacy left to us is that he continues to be remembered and loved as a good person.
What does industrialism mean to you? What is the equivalent of this profession for you?
Industrialism means to me not just trade; it means producing, providing employment, and adding value to the country. I believe that every light burning in the factory is hope for a family. Therefore, I view industrialism as a great responsibility. I believe that countries with a strong production culture also have strong futures. My late father Cevat Güleç used to always say, "A society that does not produce is doomed to perish; there is no limit to producing." This phrase is one of the most important legacies forming the foundation of my outlook on production and industry.
What are Özlider Plastik's goals and growth strategy for the next five years?
In the upcoming period, we aim to increase our technology investments, expand our export markets, and achieve a stronger position in the field of sustainable production. We will focus on value-added production, especially in the automotive and defense industry fields. Alongside this, institutionalization, human resource development, and digital transformation investments will also be our priority agenda.
What would you like to say as a final remark?
Lastly, I offer my sincere thanks to PLASFED Magazine, President Mr. Ömer Karadeniz, your executives, and everyone who contributed for the loyalty and sensitivity you showed by commemorating our late father.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.