Betek Boya adds a splash of colour to Turkey’s economy

“First of all, we have had high ideals and long-term goals rather than short-term plans and aims. Our vision included a global perspective from the start,” says Tayfun Küçükoglu, Betek Boya’s general manager. “Secondly we firmly believed in the growth of the Turkish economy and as Betek grew, we shared our success with those that had a stake in the company: namely the distributors, retailers and painters. We believed in the significance of team spirit.”

Betek Boya started in 1988 making pre-made plasters and water isolation supplies. In 1993, it moved into the construction-painting sector through technological collaboration with the biggest paint brand in Europe: Caparol. This was a turning point for Turkey’s paint sector.

“The owner of Caparol believed in us and has contributed considerably to our current success. They had negotiated with many companies in Turkey, but realised a local partner was absolutely key,” says Mr Küçükoglu.

‘INNOVATION IS A TRENDY TERM, BUT WE BELIEVE IN REALISTIC AND INNOVATIVE AIMS’

In 2004 Betek Boya completed its high-tech Gabze factory, which employs over 1,000 people. By 2009 Betek Boya had become the leader in the market. Mr Küçükoglu attributes the company’s success to its innovative philosophy.

“Innovation is a trendy term, but we believe in realistic and innovative aims and our philosophy is to follow realistic ambitions. We have learned very much about paint technology from our partner, but our success lies in the fact that we have not just copied the technology and applied them to our different settings. Rather, we have adapted those elements to the specific countries where we operate,” explains Mr Küçükoglu. 

Betek Boya exports to many of its neighbouring countries and all over Europe. It currently owns a production facility in Egypt from where they sell to the North African, Arabic and the Middle Eastern countries.

Enjoying such a strong brand name in Turkey, Betek Boya is looking for other investors and to possibly expand into the food and beverage industry, where Mr Küçükoglu hopes to have similar growth.