TASİAD’s Visit to Karabük

TASİAD, the All Lift Industrialists and Businessmen Association, is initiating new projects across Türkiye and recently conducted a series of visits in Karabük. 

by Aysun Aksoy

On October 11, the TASİAD (All Elevator Industrialists and Businesspeople Association) Board of Directors visited Karabük to carry out a pilot study for upcoming projects. During their visit, they met with Karabük Industry Provincial Director İsrafil Yıldız, where they discussed the current state of the lift industry in the region. The meeting focused on the developments and challenges facing the lift sector, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to enhance safety standards and strengthen control mechanisms. TASİAD President Yasemin Bulut emphasized that such cooperation is essential for creating a safer and more manageable industry. In response, Director Yıldız acknowledged the importance of closely monitoring the lift sector’s current situation and affirmed that the initiatives underway are crucial for both Karabük and the industry as a whole.. 

Discussion on Lift Sector Challenges and Solutions in Karabük

A meeting organized in collaboration with the Karabük Industry and Technology Provincial Directorate, the Karabük Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KTSO) and TASİAD brought together representatives from lift installation and service companies operating in the region, as well as representatives from Type A inspection organizations. The meeting focused on the safety measures and challenges that have arisen due to the increased use of lifts, fostering an exchange of ideas on potential solutions.

TASİAD Technical Development Group President Zafer Demirkol provided insights into recent regulatory changes and addressed participants’ questions, highlighting the critical importance of digitalization in enhancing lift safety. He emphasized TASİAD’s significant efforts to align regulations with industry needs and noted their ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Technology. 

Emphasis on Organizational Importance in the Sector

In her address, Bulut underscored the importance of organization within the sector, stating that fostering social awareness and solidarity is essential for the future. She recognized the strength of the lift industry and asserted the necessity of effective management of this potential. Bulut announced that they aim to expand their membership structure nationwide through a new governance system, promoting the slogan “TASİAD, the Address of Change and Transformation,” and expressed satisfaction in initiating this significant endeavor in Karabük. 

Karabük Industry and Technology Provincial Director İsrafil Yıldız provided updates on new legislative initiatives by the Ministry, affirming that the opinions of all stakeholders in the sector were considered. He indicated that forthcoming regulations are poised to offer radical solutions to many existing challenges and that collaboratively developed solutions will be vital for the sector’s advancement.  

TASİAD Visits Çelikray’s Karabük Production Facilities

Following their meeting, the TASİAD team visited the Karabük production facilities of Çelikray, a prominent player in the domestic lift industry. The visit, attended by Yıldız, featured a presentation by Çelikray Board Chairman Remzi Özçelik, who detailed the company’s growth trajectory and its significance within Türkiye’s industrial landscape. Özçelik emphasized that, alongside producing quality products that meet standards, brand trust is paramount. He noted that Çelikray meets domestic demand with an annual capacity of 200,000 t and exports to more than 50 countries.

Yıldız highlighted Karabük’s strategic importance within the Turkish industry, asserting that strengthening its industrial base significantly benefits both the sector and the national economy. Bulut reiterated that the domestic lift industry has experienced substantial growth over the past 25-30 years due to quality production standards, emphasizing the need for ongoing support to maintain this momentum. 

During the factory visit, facilitated by ÇELİKRAY Executive Board Member Sefa Özçelik, the TASİAD team examined the company’s modern production facilities and technological infrastructure, gaining detailed insights into the production processes for lift guide rails. Özçelik emphasized that product quality and production processes are critical to lift safety and performance, affirming their commitment to maintaining high standards as a key player in the heavy industry sector.