The Turkish woodworking machinery sector’s umbrella organization AİMSAD continues its participation in international fairs without interruption. With nearly 20 members, AİMSAD participated in the IWF Fair held in Atlanta, USA from August 6-9, 2024. AİMSAD promoted the Turkish woodworking machinery sector, its companies, and the WoodTech Fair in this important market.
AİMSAD, by participating in the IWF Fair held in Atlanta, USA from August 6-9, 2024, showcased the strength of the Turkish woodworking machinery sector once again on the international stage. At this prestigious fair, where nearly 20 AİMSAD member companies took part, the high-quality machines displayed at the Turkish booths received significant interest.
The fair, where companies signed strategic dealership agreements, further cemented Türkiye’s rising position in the sector. As a result of discussions with participating companies, it was emphasized that the fair was quite successful and that international fairs are of critical importance in efforts to increase sectoral exports as a country.
AİMSAD Secretary General Arif Onur Kaçak, sharing his views on the IWF Fair, said, “America is a very critical market for the woodworking machinery sector. In a market with such a large trade volume, Turkish machinery manufacturers are establishing a more permanent presence every year. We have companies that have been serving this market for many years and have factories and dealerships in the region, as well as companies that are just starting to enter this region. As such, we clearly saw at this fair that we are beginning to reap the rewards of the dedicated efforts made by both our association and our companies over the years. There were many Turkish machinery companies’ booths at the fair. Each of our companies prepared very well for this fair and showcased their products and services in large areas. The people in the region are now aware of our country, our industry, and our business capabilities.”
“The IWF Fair is a significant platform for showcasing Türkiye’s strength and innovative solutions in the woodworking machinery sector”
AİMSAD Secretary General Arif Onur Kaçak, noting the important meetings held during the fair, said, “Throughout the fair, both our association’s booth and the booths of our members received great interest from visitors and potential business partners. Our members strengthened their relationships with existing clients and also secured new business opportunities. The IWF, which provides a significant platform for showcasing Türkiye’s strength and innovative solutions in the woodworking machinery sector, proved to be highly productive for AİMSAD members. Our participants not only displayed their products but also engaged in knowledge exchange with other professionals in the industry, closely following new technological developments. This way, strategic steps were taken to enhance Türkiye’s competitive edge in this field. We saw once again at the IWF Fair how crucial participation in such events is for Türkiye to gain a stronger presence on the international stage in the woodworking machinery sector.”
Turkish Machinery – Fatih Kar
“It is evident that Turkish machinery will achieve significant success in the American market”
This was my first time attending a woodworking machinery fair. We visited and spoke with each Turkish company individually. The feedback we received was very positive. Before attending the fair, I had thought it would be a smaller event, but after visiting, I realized that it is one of the largest fairs in the world. The presence of Turkish machinery here is also quite impressive. There are many companies, and their booth sizes are very successful. Although comparing their products with those of foreign booths requires a detailed evaluation, I can say that they are generally quite successful. We know that Türkiye’s woodworking machinery export is around $160 million, and I believe this figure will increase soon. Global markets are starting to shrink; while the Turkish and European markets have significantly contracted, the American market is relatively better. It is very important for Turkish machinery to open up to the American market, and I have seen that woodworking machines are not doing poorly in this regard. There are both companies that have completed their establishment here and new companies starting to focus on America. However, it is evident that all of them will achieve significant success. I believe that Turkish machinery will reach even better places.
Nesto Machine – Burak Akıskali / Mehmet Ersan
“It is essential to enter the American market promptly and adapt quickly”
As Nesto Machine, we are participating in the IWF Fair for the first time. We had the opportunity to evaluate how closely market demands align with our own research and will continue to learn about market needs and requests. In this regard, if there are necessary changes in our products or marketing strategies, we will review them. This market is important, and we will continue our efforts in this area. There is a neutral attitude towards Turkish machinery in America. This is actually beneficial for us. It is advantageous that there is no negative perception about Turkish products. The better service and higher quality products we offer, the more likely our success will be compared to other manufacturers. The feedback we received from visitors during the fair indicates that significant effort is needed for this market. Regardless of how innovative you are, they are looking for their familiar methods. In Europe, we are accustomed to negotiations; you state a price or describe the product. However, here, they focus entirely on how your product will benefit their operations. When you offer customization options and explain how you can tailor the product to their needs, the process becomes more commercial. It is essential to enter the American market promptly and adapt quickly because it is a very large and profitable market.
Uvtek Group – Gökhan Kalaylı
“Offering an alternative option to the American market is an important step for us”
As Uvtek Group, we introduced our machine to the American market for the first time. We tested the reactions of potential investors and received very positive feedback. In a market typically dominated by European competitors, offering an alternative option is an important step for us. Customers were surprised that a Turkish company could produce such a machine, which is a favorable situation for us. The American market has a negative stance towards Chinese products, and due to high customs duties, Turkish companies gain a competitive advantage. AES Group’s local presence has given customers significant confidence. By emphasizing that we have been in America since 2005, we highlighted that we offer a sustainable business model and provide assurances on after-sales service and warranty issues. We assured customers that we have skilled staff always available to support them. AES Group represents a significant opportunity for us and potential distributors. Economically, America is a huge market, and having the right partners is essential. We are at the beginning of this process, but I believe we will be much further along in a year.
Canmaksan – Ozan Can
“I believe the export share of Turkish machine manufacturers in this market will continue to grow each year”
The fair went better than we expected. By increasing our product range compared to previous years, we also saw an increase in the number of visitors. In the past, we faced issues due to not having a warehouse, distributor, or address in America. However, now that we can say we have warehouses or an address in America, everyone feels more at ease. Visitors are surprised when they learn that our machines are Turkish and that we come from Türkiye, but I haven’t received any negative opinions about Turkish machines. The increasing number of Turkish machine manufacturers here is creating unity and strength. Visitors go from one Turkish company’s booth to another, gaining a closer understanding of our industry. America is a large market with no economic difficulties. Our products and prices are very competitive. I believe the export share of Turkish machine manufacturers in this market will continue to grow each year.
Hasmak – Aytun Haskök
“Visitors of our booth can find all the machines they would need in a workshop in one place”
As Hasmak, we have formed a partnership with AES Group in America. Honestly, I believe that rather than everyone trying to do everything on their own, it is much more effective to come together in a specific location and combine our strengths. It is really positive that AES Group wants us, as Hasmak, to be part of their serious efforts in America, and I believe this collaboration will be beneficial. Ultimately, having a diverse product range is crucial for establishing a dealership system here. With this partnership, we are completing that product diversity and truly showcasing it at the fair. Visitors of our booth can find all the machines they would need in a workshop in one place. They have access to a variety of options. There are companies aiming for high-end production in different segments as well as smaller firms focused on decorative styles. Thanks to this collaboration at the AES Group stand, visitors can see and choose everything they need. This is a significant advantage.
Baromak – Onur Özbek
“We plan to invest more in the American market”
We are operating under the AES Group umbrella in America and have been here for about six months. Initially, we showcased our machines at an open house event organized by AES. At this event, AES Group invited around 12-13 dealers, and we had the opportunity to introduce our machines to these companies. The dealers who attended the open house invited their customers to the Atlanta IWF Fair, and from the very first day, AES Group dealers have been bringing their clients here. We received more interest than I expected. At the fair, we demonstrated our brush sanding machine and paint machine to visitors through practical applications. The fair was quite successful for us. Looking ahead, we plan to invest more in the American market considering its size. Honestly, we will shift our focus more towards this region. American citizens will learn about the strength of the Turkish woodworking machinery sector. While they may not fully understand it yet, the open house event we organized was a significant step in this direction. The machines we exhibited at the fair also played a major role. The high number of Turkish companies participating in the fair was also very important. This allowed us to showcase the strength of Turkish machines here. When we tell American visitors that we produce in Türkiye and are a Turkish company, we receive very positive and encouraging responses. There is no prejudice against Türkiye; they view us similarly to European machines, such as Italian or German machines.
Dinçmak – Umut Dinç
IWF 2024 was a fair that met our expectations. We believe we successfully completed a busy and fast-paced fair process. The American market, in its general structure, is completely different. We have long observed many differentiating factors, such as the customer base, expectations, production understanding, and technical standards that vary from those in other continents. We continue to develop ourselves in these areas. Thanks to this fair, we can say that our products have reached our customers more effectively. This year, together with our authorized partner AES Group in the American market, we successfully completed two open house events. The positive effects of these events were better observed at the fair. The satisfaction of our current customers with our products and technical support in the American market provided us with a significant advantage in acquiring new customers at the fair. Our physical presence in the American market positively reflects on our customers and has been a major source of confidence for our dealers. IWF is a large organization that has been held for many years. We aim to continue promoting our products and brand in this market by participating for many years to come, and in this context, we are continuing our investments.
SAF – Abdurrahim Aktaş
“IIWF Fair helped us strengthen our presence in the U.S.A. market”
IWF Fair was a successful event for SAF, where we showcased our dust collection systems. We also observed that Turkish woodworking machine manufacturers performed well, drawing attention with their quality and innovations. Our stand, in particular, attracted interest from American professionals looking for energy-efficient solutions. The fair helped us strengthen our presence in the U.S.A. market and provided valuable insights into industry trends such as automation and sustainability. Overall, it was a productive experience for us and the Turkish woodworking sector.
Schnitzer – Bahar Ayhan
“America is aware that Turkish companies produce high-quality machines”
As Schnitzer, our machines operate in 33 countries. We have made significant progress both in our home country and in Europe. Now, we want to grow and develop in this market. We participated in IWF Fair for the first time and received very good inquiries, having the opportunity to meet with serious buyers. Most of the people we met were aware of the advanced state of the woodworking machinery industry in Türkiye. They also recognize some of the companies that participated in previous years. They are aware that Turkish companies produce high-quality machines and find our prices competitive compared to other firms. This is a significant advantage for us in competing with companies here. I highly recommend that everyone participate in this fair. It is a great opportunity for the American market, and we will continue to be present at future fairs.
Fen-iş Machinery – Can Akkuş
“We observed that the visitors were impressed by the Turkish machinery”
As Fen-İş, we participated in the IWF Fair by sharing a stand with AES Group. Visitors to our stand were able to see machines that could meet all their needs in production from A to Z. We observed that the visitors were impressed by the projects and machines realized by Turkish manufacturers. America is a very large and important market. Observing the market demands on-site was very beneficial for us. We had many significant meetings at this fair and are confident that we will establish even more important partnerships in the coming years.
Modprocess – Özlem Durular
“Our goal is to grow in America in a quick but steady manner”
Our first fair in Atlanta received much more attention than we expected. Our machines were particularly well-received by potential customers who were unfamiliar with this field, and we received excellent feedback. Additionally, by conducting demos and producing the exact boxes our customers requested, we were able to provide a concrete presentation. It is clear that this market has significant potential. I believe it will gain momentum with quick responses. We entered the American market in a conscious and planned manner. Our goal is to grow here in a quick but steady manner, similar to other firms. We are not in a hurry; instead, we aim to expand and grow steadily with solid steps.
Bala – Ahmet Tuğrul Varışlısoy
“We had a productive fair period, establishing new dealership networks”
As Bala, this is our first fair in America. Although we have been present in the American market for many years, we participated in this fair to further develop our dealership network. We had a productive fair period, establishing new dealership networks. Compared to European fairs, we did not receive any negative reactions here. While companies in Europe can be somewhat conservative, we received more positive responses in America. The audience here pays attention to whether we are established in America, and whether we have a dealership network and technical service network. We were aware of this awareness and came prepared. The fair felt like a dealership meeting.
KRC CNC – Korcan Aloğlu
“As a company, we aim to grow in the American market”
As KRC CNC, we participated in the IWF Fair alongside our American dealer and received a great deal of interest. Throughout the fair, our machines were frequently visited by attendees. We attempted to provide detailed explanations of our machines through our demonstrations. Having a dealership network in this region has certainly strengthened our position in trade. This is because people in this country place significant importance on having a fixed address here and being able to reach you quickly when needed. Being aware of this, we conduct our operations in America with precision, as this is a very strong and large market in the woodworking machinery sector, just like in many other industries. As a company, we aim to grow in this market.
EDDA – Yavuz Bayram
“Showcasing the quality of the Turkish machinery in America is a great opportunity for us”
The IWF Fair is an event we regularly attend, and each time we expand our booth. We initially started with a 20-square-meter space, and now we’ve grown to 125 square meters. Overall, it has been a satisfying fair that met our expectations. We introduced all our new products and received positive feedback, which helps boost our sales. I can say that people here are aware of the Turkish market and its quality. There were about 30 Turkish participants at the fair. This broad participation indicates that our quality is recognized. The American market has always been favorable for us, and we achieve a 10-20% growth year by year. Although we can’t predict exactly what will happen due to the election period, we believe the market will regain momentum after the elections. Being alongside major companies and showcasing our products and the quality of Turkish machinery is a great opportunity for us.
AES Group – İsmet Toktaş
“We clearly demonstrated the progress of the Turkish machinery sector”
Since 2016, AES Group has been operating in the American market, and as of last year, we took our organization to the next level by opening our second branch in the North Carolina region. Our AES America setup includes partnerships with leading brands in our industry in Türkiye, which distinguishes it from our operations in other countries. We aimed to create a structure under AES America where a manufacturer can find all the equipment needed from A to Z. Therefore, we participated in the IWF Fair with a 1,100-square-meter space alongside our partner firms. During the four-day fair, we established new collaborations and explained our organization to visitors in the U.S. market. IWF is a highly valuable fair for us, both in terms of the size of the market it addresses and the quality of the visitors. We believe that through our collaborations at this fair, we clearly demonstrated the progress of the Turkish machinery sector.
Katay – Eray Öngü
“Visitors had very positive reactions when they saw Turkish machinery”
To be honest, our expectations for the IWF Fair were quite high, and we can say that we found even more than we anticipated. It is truly a major fair with an effective and successful organization. This was our first time participating, and we were very pleased with the interest we received. Visitors had very positive reactions when they saw Turkish machinery. I believe that major companies that entered this market before us have also done a great job in this regard, as there is a very positive perception of Turkish products.
Hizmet-him – Erhan Çiftçi
“I plan to use the information gained here to offer solutions that better meet the participants’ needs”
I can say that the IWF Fair on behalf of Hizmethim as a moderately sized fair. From the perspective of my own products, I believe that the molding machines were not very widely used at the fair. Specifically, MDF was not very favored. Nevertheless, I am happy to have participated because this is an important market. I plan to use the information gained here to offer solutions that better meet the participants’ needs. In the coming years, we will prepare more thoroughly for participation. This fair is definitely an event that should be attended.
Akkuşlar – Yasin Şimşek
“They are aware of the potential and the quality of work that Turks bring to this field”
We saw that the IWF Fair has great potential. The visitors were very interested. The same level of interest was present when we came two years ago, and this interest has continued without diminishing; in fact, it has increased. They are aware of the potential and the quality of work that Turks bring to this field. For example, we used to frequently be asked where we were from at the previous fair, but this time that question was asked less often. We are quite pleased with this. They hold a great deal of sympathy for Türkiye and view us as professionals. There is significant potential not only in the United States but throughout the American continent.
Form Machine – Yusuf Dilek
“I insist that all members attend these fairs”
Members need to be properly informed and trained when attending such fairs. Particularly when entering new markets, there are often gaps regarding the conditions of those countries, the issues they may encounter, logistics, and local regulations. Our association, AİMSAD, is falling short in this area. I strongly urge AİMSAD to work more on addressing these gaps. I insist that all members in Türkiye attend these fairs. For instance, Nesto Makine, Schnitzer Makine, and Akkuşlar came here with my encouragement. I am also here thanks to Unimak Makine. This is a green zone with a high use of wood. Therefore, the customer portfolio here is similar to our markets in Türkiye. Compared to the fair two years ago, this one is much more crowded and significantly more efficient. For this reason, I believe all members in the association should be informed and encouraged to attend these fairs, as the government also provides support in this regard. At this fair, we tried to position ourselves as being very close to Europe in the machinery sector, even almost on par with them, but some participants were unaware that these products were produced in Türkiye and did not know Türkiye in this context. Therefore, the more crowded we are at these fairs, the more we will be recognized. For example, you wouldn’t have seen any Chinese participants at fairs ten years ago. Now, there is always a Chinese presence at every fair. The issue with China poses a significant threat. The U.S. has imposed a 60% tax on all goods from China, yet the Chinese are still present in the market and are cheaper than us. We need to import materials and components from China because I pay $40 for materials that Chinese producers get for $4-$5. We need to focus on creating ergonomic and high-quality designs that appeal to users. Even with competing firms, I think we need to inform our association and members about this issue.
