“Despite the Pandemic, We Managed to Increase Our Orders”
Tekspart General Manager Alpaslan Demir
Operating since 2009 in the sales of knitting machine needles and sinkers, knitting machine oils, knitting machines and circular knitting machines, Tekspart is one of Turkey’s top three companies especially in needles and sinkers today.
We interviewed with Tekspart General Manager Alpaslan Demir for “Knitting Technologies Special Issue”. Stating that the knitting industry was not adversely affected by the pandemic process, Demir explained that there will be breaks in the supply chain in the post-pandemic period. Demir warned that companies should manage this process well.
Firstly, Turkey as well as all over the world, sectors are going through a very difficult process due to the pandemic. How was 2020 for your company? How did you create a roadmap to get through the process with less damage?
The pandemic affected many industries negatively. However, the knitting industry was not adversely affected by this situation except in April and May. Especially the problems experienced in the Far East had a positive effect on exports and there was an increase in orders. While these effects enabled our company to increase its orders, we continued to provide seamless service to our customers thanks to our stock management.
What are the latest trends in the knitting machine industry? What changes and innovations do you expect in the industry over the next few years?
The effects of the pandemic seem to continue for a while. Since there will be breaks in the supply chain, this process must be managed properly. Increases in freight and raw material prices will also be reflected in final product prices.
As many corporate companies continue to work from home and people spend more time at home, there has been an increase in demand for machines producing Supreme, Ribana 3 yarn styles. We think this will continue in 2021. We believe that jacquard-style machines will be in demand from the second half of the year.
The knitting industry performed very successfully, especially during the pandemic period. How do you evaluate the performance of Turkish knitters in this process? What do you think are the reasons for success?
The knitting companies performed very successfully in this period. They were able to respond to requests from Europe in a short time. Due to the depreciation of the Turkish currency, our prices have become relatively advantageous compared to other countries, being our main market is European countries, and our geographic proximity to Europe has provided an advantage. The companies have done good work by using the advantage of responding to the demands in terms of logistics and price.
The effects of the pandemic seem to continue in the first months of 2021. As Tekspart, what are your expectations, goals and projects for 2021? Are you planning to make new investments?
As Tekspart, we take a number of measures to provide adequate service in spare parts and machinery supply. We have some preparations in order not to disrupt stock and order processes.
Could you tell us about your preparations for ITM 2021? What are your expectations from the exhibition?
First of all, we hope that the exhibition will be held in a healthy way. Since the exhibitions have not been organized for a long time due to the pandemic, we think that customers will prefer the ITM 2021. We aim to reach the number of participants and visitors in previous years. We think that the potential will continue to increase if there is a normalization process.
Interview: Dilek HAYIRLI