NEWS

How is your company positioned in Türkiye and in the world? 

Our company, Aero,  is a subsidiary of Germany’s largest wind turbine manufacturer, ENERCON. As of the end of 2013, ENERCON is a leader in Türkiye with a 27.26% market share (source: TWEA-Turkish Wind Energy Association). ENERCON, as of the end of 2013, has a market share of 10.5% in the world, with a total of 33.211 MW of energy.

Can you give an overview of the development of your company since its inception? 

The foundation of our factory was laid back in December 2001 and the first wind turbine was manufactured in August 2002. Initially, our company manufactured 20 meter wind turbines in an area of 5.760 m2.  We later expanded the area to 11.160 m2, manufacturing 35 and 41 meter turbines. 

Can you provide the production, employment and investment data for your company? 

Our company has manufactured 2,400 MW of turbines since its inception in 2001. This equates to 0.8% of all wind turbines in the world. Our manufacturing activities are carried out by a staff of 357 people, with an average of 7.5 years of seniority as of 2013. 

What are the advantages of operating in the Aegean Free Zone? 

Operating in the Aegean Free Zone provides tax advantages, since we have a manufacturing license.  Logistic advantages include the Zone`s close proximity to the airport and Port of Izmir. Plus, Izmir has the advantage of being located in the center of Türkiye’s windy areas.

How do foreign investors view free zones? 

Although investors are not fully knowledgeable about the infrastructures of other free zones, our foreign visitors are very much impressed by the physical appearance and infrastructure of the Aegean Free Zone. Also, the fact that Izmir is such a modern city leaves a positive impression on our foreign visitors. 

How is your company affected by the recent economic developments that have been unfolding since the beginning of 2014? In what way does this affect investments? 

The economic circumstances that have been present since the beginning of 2014  have not had a major effect on our company in the short term. It’s not going to affect our international sales. However, the wind energy market may shrink in the long term as the rise of exchange rates and interests lead to cost increases for the project owner companies. Still, the rise of electricity prices will compensate a part of the loss incurred by project companies with electricity production licenses.

Can you give some information about your social responsibility projects? 

None of the Turkish universities offered a class on wind turbines made of composite materials. In collaboration with Dokuz Eylul University, we contributed to the establishment of a composite laboratory in the Mechanical Engineering Department. This gave students the opportunity to gain knowledge on composite techniques in a selective class and see the application of their theoretical knowledge on a field trip to our company. We also provide technical support and supplies for studies in various universities about solar vehicles, hydrogen cars and other projects. This way, we support university students who are having difficulty in finding sponsors for their projects.