“Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition Also Serves as a Workshop”

Interview: Tuğba KARADEMİR

TETAŞ, a company that has been providing machinery and automation systems to the textile and garment industry since 1982, stood out at the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition with its artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 solutions. Kudret Çelebi, the company’s Sales Director, shared striking insights regarding the ongoing transformation and current challenges in the industry.

Speaking at the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition, Çelebi noted that the demand for automation systems is rapidly increasing due to rising labor costs and workforce shortages. As part of the exhibition, they showcased sewing machines (Pegasus, Zoje, ShangGong, Kansai, IMB) in the garment group, denim automation systems; and in the cutting room group, both the 100% Japanese-made Shima Seiki Cutter and Yin Cutter machines, as well as their own Tesan spreading machines, which they have been producing since 1990.

Highlighting the wide range of smart solutions from sewing and denim groups to cutting room automation, Çelebi pointed out that machines can now detect the thickness, elasticity, and quality of fabrics.

“EFFICIENCY INCREASES WITH AI AND INDUSTRY 4.0 SYSTEMS”

Çelebi emphasized that one of the biggest challenges in the industry today is the labor force, and shared the following assessment: “Companies are struggling to find qualified workers, and labor costs are rising every day. Therefore, machines and systems that operate with minimal or no operators are coming to the forefront. Turkiye is quite competitive in this field; we have high-quality automation systems and operators who can utilize them. Owning a machine alone is not enough—you also need skilled personnel who can use it efficiently.”

Çelebi noted that machines can now sense the structure of fabrics and elastics and manage the production process autonomously: “For example, in the boxer waistband attaching automaton, the operator only places the product. Our machine analyzes the fabric and elastic and completes the process automatically.” He added that these systems are actively used in many areas such as skirts, sleeves, collars, and rib knits.

Stating that the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition is not just a machinery exhibition but also an important platform for discussing industry issues, Çelebi said producers not only explore new technologies but also find opportunities to reshape their production strategies during the exhibition: “We view this event as a workshop where industry representatives come together to generate collective insight. It’s a valuable organization for determining direction, discussing challenges, and developing solutions.”

Pointing to Istanbul’s strategic location close to both Europe and Asia, Çelebi added: “Today, 25 of our foreign suppliers are here with their technical teams. Istanbul’s ease of access and its ability to showcase technological infrastructure elevate this exhibition to an international level. We also thank Teknik Fuarcılık for this.”

“TURKIYE HAS LONG BEEN ENGAGED IN VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTION”

The TETAŞ Sales Director stated that Turkiye is now shifting towards value-added and boutique production rather than just high-volume output: “We have the quality to produce for top-tier brands. With this level of quality, we can maintain our presence in the industry.”

Çelebi noted that in the first half of the year, they carried out significant machinery exports, particularly to Egypt, describing this trend as an “undesired production migration.” “Producers in Turkiye are investing in regions like Egypt. And we’re not leaving them alone—we continue to supply machinery and equipment wherever they go.”

“THE INDUSTRY NEEDS GOVERNMENT SUPPORT”

Underlining the need to support the industry under the current economic conditions, Çelebi concluded with this call: “Textiles and ready-to-wear are among Turkiye’s locomotive sectors. They play an important role in female employment and involve substantial investments. Our government must now listen to this voice. This industry should not be left behind.”