“Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition Became Hope for the Second Half of the Year”
Interview: Tuğba KARADEMİR
Keçoğlu Makina, a company that has been shaping the garment industry since 1977, became a focal point at the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition with its next-generation automation machines. Company representative Sait Sönmez shared insights on the current state of the industry and their strategic plans for the future.
The brand, which was founded in 1977 by Salih Keçoğlu as Keçoğlu Makina Gallery, gained its corporate identity in 1990 when brothers Ekrem, Süleyman, Cemil, and Ali Keçoğlu established Keçoğlu Makina Industry and Trade Inc. in Merter. Today, with over 65 employees, a dealership network spanning 12 cities, and a 20-person technical service team, Keçoğlu is one of the leading solution partners in the industry.
Keçoğlu Makina is the official distributor in Turkiye for several global leading brands, including:
- SIRUBA (Taiwan) – Industrial sewing machines
- JUITA (China) – Template sewing automats
- KM (Japan) – Cutting systems and scissors
- HASHIMA (Japan) – Needle detectors, fusing presses
- GROZBECKERT (Germany) – Sewing machine needles
- …and other prominent manufacturers.
The company also boasts a wide spare parts inventory and a well-equipped technical team capable of field service. With the assurance of “Keçoğlu Reliability,” it stands out in after-sales support within the industry.
“AUTOMATION BRIDGES THE SKILLED LABOR GAP”
Speaking about the product groups showcased at the exhibition, company representative Sait Sönmez emphasized that their focus is on automation: “We’re a company primarily focused on automation. Considering the global challenge of finding qualified workers, automation becomes critically important. That’s why we’ve heavily invested in this area.”
Sönmez also shared thoughts on the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on the industry: “AI is still in its early stages for our sector. Our suppliers in the Far East have only recently started adapting their products to it. In the near future, we plan to integrate AI applications into some of our machines.”
“GARMENT TECH ISTANBUL EXHIBITION INJECTS HOPE INTO THE INDUSTRY”
Despite the economic stagnation in both Turkiye and worldwide, Sönmez expressed that the exhibition offered a revitalizing opportunity for the sector and underlined the strategic importance of the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition: “Having the exhibition in Istanbul positioned it as a meeting point for countries across Europe and the Middle East. It became a beacon of hope for many companies. We believe this event will spark new momentum in the industry.”
Sönmez highlighted the international connections formed at the exhibition and expressed satisfaction with the level of interest: “Today is the second day of the exhibition. We’ve seen more visitors than yesterday. We expect even more footfall in the coming days. We’re optimistic and feeling positive.”
When asked how 2025 has gone so far for Keçoğlu Makina, Sönmez responded: “2025 has been slow for us, mirroring the general trend in the sector. However, the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition has been a beacon of hope for the second half of the year. It may mark a new leap forward for companies in Turkiye.”
