Unification of two separate companies under a single roof has always been a demanding issue. Our case had specific aspects; there was Akçimento on one side, a versatile corporation sharing the management philosophy of the influential and successful Sabanci Group, and Akçimento culture that had assumed the leadership of the private sector during the years Turkey’ cement industry was managed by the state, and then of the whole sector afterwards. On the other side, the culture formed by Çanakkale Çimento, which looked somewhat remote from the market despite being within; the culture that was reviewed upon acquisition by CBR… Then, suddenly a new and immense synergy and culture is created by Akçansa’s formation. This is a rather challenging and fascinating integration process… I believe that the success attained in the creation of a third culture in combining the positive aspects of two dominant cultures is a “case study” worth analyzing. Taking into consideration that the subject process overlapped with the economic crisis experienced throughout the Country, the implementation of such a change by transforming threats into opportunities and the accomplishment of such a progress is worth appreciation and I would like to express my thanks and congratulations to all my colleagues who have participated in these efforts. Akçansa has fulfilled his share exceptionally on behalf of the sector and certainly will continue to do more.

I think being a member of the Akçansa Family is a real privilege and I believe that all Akçansa employees are aware of their privileged status; this is because Akçansa is the leader in its area in Turkey and is a symbol for success. It leads the way for others with both its human resources quality and production techniques and sets an example with its environmental friendly approach. In this sense, you can’t find another company in the business like Akçansa. It is now a global company with the giant leaps it has made. On the other hand, this success doesn’t make us only proud but it also pushes us forward to do even better. I am pretty sure that Akçansa employees are aware of their responsibilities and enjoy this sense of duty as the continuance of success depends on this very view.

Working at Akçansa as an executive and being the President of the Turkish Ready Mixed Concrete Organization (TRCO) at the same time is very honoring but challenging as well; we have to watch the balance carefully. In TRCO you have to be very objective and equally close to everyone. It is essential that you should abandon your Company identity. There you are working on the problems of the ready mixed concrete and Turkey and striving to create public consciousness for earthquakes and ensure that people live in strong structures. As for my position at Akçansa, although there are common issues, you see that there is a cruel competition in the sector. As a matter of fact the Ready Mixed Concrete sector is not very suitable for orderly companies, due to the fact that the ongoing competition is not fair at all. But at that point, achievements and creating values for the employees and the shareholders make one feel satisfied. Being a part of the constructions where you can live in safely, together with your employees, is a nice feeling.

Working for Akçansa makes me feel strong and confident. This is because it is one of the most successful companies in its area, not only in Turkey but in the entire world. Thinking that I had something to do with this success too, gives me a huge sense of satisfaction. When I compare the management style, or social cooperation and business approach of some other world companies my friends work for, I can’t help but notice the advantages of working here. Best of all is that this approach is improved every day and gets even better. So, I would like to thank our General Manager, our HR department and all our employees supporting this effort. I think being an Akçansa employee is a privilege.