“Trade Exhibitions Are More Efficient During Times of Crisis”
Interview: Dilek HAYIRLI
Epa Akın General Manager Ogün Özol said; “Exhibitions are more productive in times of crisis. Because customers from all kinds of countries come to exhibitions. Instead of visiting our customers one by one, we can easily introduce our new technologies to the world through exhibitions.”
At the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition, Epa Akın showcased its products in three main categories. Ogün Özol explained: “In our main category of presses, we exhibited new models suitable for non-iron technologies. We also showcased our Marvela tunnel ironing system for the logistics sector, along with our technical textile machines and seamless production lines.”
Özol detailed the advantages their machines offer to users: “In our new-generation presses, we prioritized energy efficiency and increased production capacity. We’ve developed presses specifically for the new generation of non-iron shirts. These technologies will enable Turkish and international manufacturers to become more competitive in global markets. Users of these machines will save time and increase both quality and capacity.”
Marvela Tunnel Ironing System Supports the Logistics Sector
In response to the growing demands of the logistics sector—driven by the e-commerce boom—Epa Akın offers the Marvela tunnel ironing system. “We’re addressing the high-capacity needs of logistics centers with our Marvela tunnel ironing system, which can process approximately 2,000 garments per hour.” said Özol. These automated systems streamline the wrinkle removal and packaging process in a single step, boosting warehouse efficiency.
Turkiye’s Only Domestic Manufacturer of Seamless Technology
Özol noted that Epa Akın has been investing in the rising global trend of technical textiles—especially seamless underwear and outdoor wear—for the past three years: “We are the only domestic manufacturer in Turkiye in this segment. We’ve been producing machines for the domestic and export markets for three years.”
Visitors from South Africa to Portugal
Highlighting the exhibition’s success in meeting expectations, Özol said: “Although the visitor numbers weren’t extremely high, we had targeted visitors from key markets. We hosted buyers from South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Romania, and Portugal. The second and third days of the exhibition were particularly productive.”
“We Win As Long As We Export”
Reiterating that exhibitions are especially effective during times of crisis, Özol stated:
“Exhibitions are the most effective platforms for promoting new technologies to the world. Instead of visiting markets one by one, we can introduce our innovations globally in a single venue. The path through a crisis lies in manufacturing efficient machines, promoting products effectively, and entering international markets. As long as we export, we win.”
“We Secured Two New International Agents”
During the exhibition, Özol announced that they were close to finalizing agreements with two new international agents—an achievement he described as a concrete indicator of the exhibition’s success.
“The Future Trend will Shift Toward Seamless Products”
Since 2015, Özol observed a clear evolution in the sector toward more comfortable and technically advanced textiles, particularly seamless garments: “Seamless products are hygienic, don’t harbor bacteria, and are very comfortable to wear. We believe this technology will spread rapidly in the coming years.”
“The Second Half of 2025 will Be Better Than the First”
Despite global economic challenges, Özol stated that the company’s goals remain clear:
“The world is going through a difficult phase overall. However, we expect the second half of 2025 to be better than the first. Our aim is to end this year as efficiently as possible and enter 2026 even stronger.”
