“We Can Become Stronger in Global Markets with High-Value-Added Products”
Interview: Dilek HAYIRLI
Mehmet Arslan, Sales Manager at Alba Makine said; “We offer not only the textile industry but also the defense sector and food industry high–tech solutions with our ironing machines, steam generators, and smart storage systems.”
Mehmet Arslan, Sales Manager of Alba Makina, who attended the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition, provided information about the technological products that the company manufactures in Turkiye. Arslan stated that despite the slowdown in investments in the textile sector, they contribute to the sector with their high-quality machines. Arslan said; “In parallel with the course of the textile sector in Turkiye, we are not making large investments. However, our machines are already the most technological machines in Turkiye. For example, the 4-pass steam generators we produce are unique in Turkiye and among the top two in the world.”
Investment in Artificial Intelligence-Supported Smart Storage Systems
Arslan stated that the company serves not only the textile sector but also the defense industry and large-scale foreign partner companies, and said, “We have two main product groups. One is ironing machines, the other is smart storage systems. We work intensively with the defense industry, foreign partners or foreign companies, especially in the field of smart storage systems. We use robotic systems and artificial intelligence-based technologies in these products.”
“Exhibitions Offer Important Opportunities to Open Up to New Markets”
Arslan, emphasizing that Alba Makina’s motivation for participating in exhibitions is to gain new customers and access markets, said, “Our expectation at the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition was customers from the Balkans and the Near East. However, the Iran-Israel war turned all our plans upside down. This is a situation beyond our control.”
“Ironing Processes Are Evolving to Robotic Systems”
Mehmet Arslan, who touched upon the technological evolution of the garment and ready-to-wear sector, stated that the transition to automation, especially in ironing machines, is accelerating: Arslan; “Robotic ironing systems are being adopted for products such as shirts, jackets, and trousers. These systems require less labor and provide economic advantages to businesses because they can iron more products. We also have products in this direction.”
“We Offer Higher Efficiency Compared to Our Competitors with Our Products”
Arslan, who also touched on the technical advantages provided by Alba products, said, “Our ironing boards have higher blowing and suction capacities. While our competitors have a suction power of 100-110 millibars, our machines offer 30% more performance. We bring our fans from Germany and achieve high efficiency. This is an important factor in our big brand customers choosing us. In addition, the steam generators we produce in Turkiye do not have an explosion risk and provide steam instantly. We are better than companies manufacturing in Turkiye in this regard. The reason for this is our extensive work experience.”
“Our Success Continues to Increase in Sectors Other Than Garment”
Sharing his expectations for the second half of 2025, Arslan stated that the company also serves important sectors other than textiles and said: “As a company, we do not only serve the textile sector. We have also gained a strong place with our steam generators in areas such as chemistry, food, cosmetics and hotel management. Packaged foods have been used a lot recently. We have been making intensive sales to these companies. We work with many brand hotels, especially in laundry systems. We have been present in the production of steam generators in Turkiye since 1986 and are among the top four in the world.”
“Gradual Shrinkage in the Textile Sector is Inevitable”
Evaluating the impact of the textile sector on the socio-economic structure in Turkiye, Arslan made the following statements: “The garment sector is like a sponge that absorbs unemployment. If the sector shrinks suddenly, this will have serious effects on the social structure. Therefore, there should be a more controlled and gradual transformation.”
“We Can Become Stronger Globally with Branding”
Finally, Arslan emphasized Turkiye’s production infrastructure and human resources, and continued by drawing attention to the importance of branding: “Our infrastructure and human resources are both ready for this transformation. Especially in the last 15 years, production in Turkiye has been done more scientifically. Now, they work with industrial engineers. Factories in Turkiye are much more equipped, especially compared to Egypt, Bangladesh, Jordan and even some European countries. If only we could create a few Turkish brands like Zara, then we would not be a subcontractor, but a country that leads textile and garment.”
