Üstünkarlı, which has been providing uninterrupted service in the Turkish woodworking machinery industry for 70 years, today exports the machines it produces in Türkiye to different parts of the world. We heard from the company’s general manager, Nezih Üstünkarlı, about the Üstünkarlı brand, which has proven itself in the global market with its long years of experience and investments in R&D and technology. Stating that, as a Turkish manufacturer, they act with the vision of being a reliable and sustainable company that is respected at home and abroad, Nezih Üstünkarlı stated that as a company, they focus on continuity before profitability.
AES Group Chairman İsmet Toktaş AES Group, which has made a name for itself in Türkiye and around the world with the machines it puts on the market, its dealer network that expands every year and its after-sales services, introduces Turkish quality to the whole world. Stating that their main vision as a Turkish brand is to have a leading position in the world, AES Group Chairman İsmet Toktaş said: “As AES, we are not just trying to sell machines. We strive to create a usage experience and satisfaction that will last for years, from pre-sales processes to machine sales and from there to after-sales processes. We believe that the collaborations that will be formed in this way will be more solid and long-lasting.”
LIGNA, the leading trade fair for the global wood and woodworking industry, will welcome visitors for the 50th time in Hannover, Germany, from May 26 to 30. This year, more than 60 Turkish companies will participate in the LIGNA Fair, which holds great significance for the global woodworking machinery sector.
The IIFF2025 International Istanbul Furniture Fair, held at Tüyap, brought the furniture sector together in Istanbul, concluding with a high level of participation. The fair, which was inaugurated with the attendance of Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Board of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Federation of Furniture Associations (MOSFED) Ahmet Güleç, and prominent sector representatives, saw AİMSAD participate with a joint booth alongside the WoodTech and Intermob Fairs.
According to the Woodworking Machinery Sector Report prepared by AIMSAD based on the foreign trade data published by TUIK; sector exports were recorded as 150 million dollars in 2024. At the end of 2024, when imports amounted to 101 million dollars, production to 370 million dollars and domestic sales to 322 million dollars, the foreign trade balance was recorded as 48 million dollars. In addition, the ratio of exports to imports at the end of the year was 148 percent.
The Member Workshop, where new roadmaps for the development of the Turkish woodworking machinery industry were defined by AIMSAD, was held at Titanic Business Kartal Hotel with the participation of industry representatives. The workshop marked a critical step toward achieving the goals of sustainable growth and enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness.
Founded in 2014 to ensure cooperation, solidarity, and information exchange among member companies operating in the woodworking machinery and its side industries, AIMSAD held its 4th Ordinary General Assembly Meeting at the Titanic Business Kartal Hotel in Istanbul. The current Chairman of the Board, İsmet Toktaş, was re-elected by receiving all votes, renewing the confidence of the members.
AIMSAD Secretary General Arif Onur Kaçak attended the annual general assembly meeting of the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (EUMABOIS), which brings together woodworking machinery manufacturers across Europe, held in Finland. During the meeting, Kaçak provided information about the current state of the Turkish woodworking machinery sector and shared the sector’s future goals and strategic vision with international participants.