“We are Optimistic about the Future and Expect a Recovery in the Sector”
Interview: Dilek HAYIRLI
Murat Sekban, owner of Reyal Makina, stated that the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition offers significant opportunities to companies despite the contraction in the sector, and expressed his satisfaction with the intense interest from foreign visitors since the first day of the exhibition. Sekban said, “Our stand attracted great interest, especially from visitors from Arab countries.”
Reyal Makine is the Turkish representative of brands such as TOPSEW, Long Xin, GongMing, Honbo, Nicerbt and Unique. Focusing on the future of automation at the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition, Reyal Makine attracted attention both domestically and globally by offering highly efficient systems for ready-to-wear and garment manufacturers. Murat Sekban, founder and owner of Reyal Makine, spoke to Tekstil Teknoloji magazine about the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition and its 2026 goals.
“Our Goal is to Offer Solutions That will Increase The Competitiveness of Manufacturers”
Murat Sekban emphasized that legacy systems are no longer sufficient in the market and that manufacturers are turning to automation systems. He commented, “We offer our customers solutions with automation groups whenever possible. Thanks to the exhibition, we had the opportunity to introduce our new technology machines that will streamline users’ production processes and make their work more efficient. Our goal is to contribute to the industry with modern, user-friendly solutions that will increase manufacturers’ competitiveness.”
“We are at a Very Good Point in Automation Systems”
Sekban stated that he believes that artificial intelligence technologies will provide significant convenience in the textile machinery field in the future, as in all sectors; and made the following assessment: “Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly offer significant advantages in production processes, but our industry is not yet fully prepared for this transformation. Integrating AI into our production lines will be on our agenda in the coming years. We’re currently at a very good point with our automation systems. Our sales are continuing both in Turkey and internationally. At the same time, other companies in the sector are achieving successful sales internationally. Overall, the process is progressing very positively and successfully.”
“The Process of Shifting Production Abroad will Soon End”
Murat Sekban also touched upon a notable development in the field of production in Turkey, saying: “Recently, many manufacturers have rapidly shifted their focus abroad to produce in other countries. This has led to a reduction in production capacity and a decline in production volumes in Turkiye. However, I believe this process will resolve itself over time and the situation will rebalance. As far as I know, the relevant authorities are conducting significant work on this issue, and we are hearing about positive developments. I hope the coming years will be even more productive for the industry. Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition participants are doing their best to contribute to this process.”
Murat Sekban stated that the machines they exhibited at the fair are fully automated, saying, “The machines at our booth feature an advanced automation system that allows a single worker to perform the work of 7-8 people in an average workshop. All of our machines operate with full automation, providing significant efficiency in production processes. We will continue to introduce these systems to a wider audience over time and make them available to our users.”
“We were Pleased with the Large Number of Foreign Visitors”
Murat Sekban stated that the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition offered significant opportunities to companies despite the contraction in the sector, and expressed his satisfaction with the intense interest from foreign visitors since the first day of the exhibition. Sekban continued as follows: “Although it was only the first day of the exhibition, we were very pleased to see international participants visiting our stands from the early hours of the morning. This demonstrates the success of the exhibition’s organization. We anticipate this volume will continue to increase until the final day of the fair. Our stand is particularly popular with visitors from Arab countries. However, our main expectation and hope is for a stronger customer base from Europe. Furthermore, on the first day of the fair, the owners of seven different factories in China visited our booth. These visits have led to significant collaborations. We strive to bring new technologies originating in China to our country through joint efforts. We also strongly encourage our manufacturers to draw inspiration from these innovations and develop similar technologies in Turkiye.”
“We Met with Business People Planning Significant Investments in 2026”
Murat Sekban stated that 2025 was generally a dull and vicious year for the sector, with trade volume declining significantly. However, he noted that the requests they received from customers they met during the fair gave them hope. Sekban said, “During the fair, we met with serious businesspeople planning significant investments in 2026. We are making preparations to provide them with the best possible service. We are optimistic about the future and anticipate a recovery in the sector.”
