Since 2012, Turkey GDP growth rate fluctuates between 2% and 3% each year. Good news for the national industry, but increasing responsibilities in health & safety at work, as it happens in other emerging economies. While agencies and associations with main activities covering occupational safety issues contribute to the development of a ‘’risk prevention’’ culture, PPE manufacturers expand their reach into this exciting market.
For several years now, huge efforts have been made in Turkey to improve deficiencies and meet international Health & Safety standards. These standards, more specifically the EU Workplace Health and Safety Directive, has served as a framework for Turkish occupational safety legislation. It is perhaps not by chance that Occupational Health and Safety Regulation was the first Regulation to ensure compliance with the EU acquires.
Hand injuries:some figures
As safety standards are tougher and tougher, one must say that stakes are high in the Turkish industry to better protect the 23 million employed working population. Yet, injuries are still numerous, particularly as for hands. In the construction industry for instance, infected organs as a result of occupational accident were 11% related to hands and 19% to fingers in 2014. In the Turkish shipyard industry, figures are even more revealing.
Above-average economic growth, development of health prevention, increase of different types of risks… Turkey has also become full of opportunities for PPE manufacturers. Such as Mapa Professionnel. ‘’We entered this market in 2013, says Tolga Karabacak, Mapa Professionnel Regional Sales Manager. Since then, Mapa Professionnel gained significant share and brand reputation within a very short period of time. Through our intensive marketing campaigns and top level workouts, we did manage to enter various key acounts mostly in automotive, chemical, metal work, electronics and food sectors.’’
But what rang a bell is that their wide range of product line, covering unique needs of all these sectors, has enabled to offer the right solution for every hand that works, as says their tagline. Is that all? ‘’Our strengh also relies on our capacity to help our clients to better understand their needs and improve their troubled processes,’’ explains Tolga Karabacak. Not to mention that Mapa Professionnel has established very effective partnerships with key distributors, such as SSA KİMYA, KESKİN İŞ GÜVENLİĞİ, REİS MAKİNA and NAR İŞ GÜVENLİĞİ, all of them offering a wide dealer network and particularly highlighting premium brands.
Customer’s expectations
Among its clients, Mapa Professionnel has a base of international companies, such as Delphi, Pirelli, Marelli or Mercedes Benz in the automotive sector; BASF, Cargill, Borusan and MMK in the chemical sector; and SIEMENS and Hyundai within the electronic and automotive industry, all well established in the country. But what are the best sellers? And the customer’s exepectations? ‘’They are very demanding and keen on brand reputation, let’s say as in Western countries, Tolga Karabacak points out. And that shows obviously great concerns over the protection of workers.’’ Hence the need for innovative and high quality products. ‘’That’s convenient for us as we do not make any difference in terms of offer… our Grip & Proof new range was simultaneously launched on the Turkish market, and in all Europe.’’
In 2015, Mapa Professionnel will go on to provide to the market new Grip & Proof series, as well as other reliable gloves. Turkey is indeed a safe place to work, just like any other.