Eskisehir ın Europe

Local Production Journey from Eskişehir to Europe

Hasancan Kırıcı

Motorik-a, a domestic construction machinery manufacturer operating in Eskişehir, is drawing attention with its import and export network across Europe. Motorik-a CEO Arif Türker emphasized that quality standards are the key factor in the European market, stating, “European consumers value detail and quality.”

Operating in Eskişehir since 2018, Motorik-a has expanded its production into international markets through the trade network it has established with Europe. The company manufactures 4×4 mini loaders using components imported from Germany, while exporting to European countries such as Switzerland and Germany, as well as to Canada and several countries in Africa. CEO Arif Türker stated that Eskişehir’s industrial infrastructure offers significant advantages for small- and medium-scale manufacturing.

Highlighting the strength of Eskişehir’s industry, particularly in metal processing, Türker said, “Eskişehir’s industrial sector is highly advanced in laser cutting, plasma cutting, and press brake technologies. In addition, there is a considerable amount of unused production capacity.”

However, Türker noted that the current industrial structure is not sufficient for large-scale production at a European level. “It is adequate for small machinery, but for automotive manufacturing or large construction equipment production, industrial-scale factory systems are absolutely necessary,” he said.

Türker also explained that the transmissions used in production are imported from Germany, adding that approximately 10 percent of their production is exported to European Union countries.

He stated that Türkiye’s inclusion in the Customs Union simplifies trade procedures and makes trading with Europe more practical compared to China. “Thanks to CE certifications and compliance processes, products can pass through customs smoothly. The paperwork burden is quite minimal,” Türker explained.

Emphasizing Eskişehir’s logistical advantages, Türker said products can reach ports or airports on the same day. “Compared to eastern provinces, opening up to Europe from here is much easier,” he said.

Türker stressed that the European market is far more sensitive about quality standards and noted that production requirements vary by region. “For products we send to Africa, we may not apply additional procedures, but for products exported to Europe, we must even pay attention to corrosion resistance testing. European consumers appreciate detail and quality,” he stated.

He also pointed out that major companies have played a significant role in the development of Eskişehir’s industry, particularly companies such as Eti and TEI, which helped strengthen the local supplier industry. Türker explained that this contributed to the emergence of a precision manufacturing culture and fostered an industrial ecosystem where small businesses support one another.

The company carries out exports through its distributors in Europe, determining target countries through social media advertising and market research. Customs clearance and transportation processes are generally managed by overseas distributors.

Discussing government support for exporting companies, Türker stated that incentives are limited. “Apart from VAT refunds, there is no additional support,” he said.

Motorik-a CEO Arif Türker also mentioned that his family had previously been involved with the Hisarlar factory. “In the 1980s, Hisarlar was among Türkiye’s first exporting companies. Eskişehir became the first location outside its own country from which the Europe-based Krone company purchased products,” he said.