THE MANUFACTURING ECOSYSTEM WILL MEET AT "PARKURDA".

THE MANUFACTURING ECOSYSTEM WILL MEET AT "PARKURDA"

Tezmaksan, a leading manufacturer in machine tools, has launched the marketplace platform Parkurda to optimize the sector's idle capacity. Hakan Aydoğdu, the General Manager of Tezmaksan, highlighted the platform’s potential, stating that their goal for this year is to reach 100 stores and over 10,000 customers, with plans to activate surplus workforce by 2025.

Parkurda, introduced in 2017 and officially launched in 2023, aims to connect sellers and customers within the manufacturing sector. The platform has already garnered 30 stores and nearly 100 customers, with ambitions to increase this number significantly. Aydoğdu revealed that they have invested approximately 2.5-3 million TL in the platform’s first phase, with an additional 8 million TL allocated for the second phase. This year, Tezmaksan plans to reach 100 stores, 10,000 customers, and a sales volume of 3 million TL. Furthermore, the company is planning an international expansion of Parkurda in 2024.

Describing Parkurda as an online version of the traditional "Thursday market", Aydoğdu emphasized the platform's focus on providing accurate catalog values to industry representatives. It allows sellers to not only offer spare parts but also their manufactured products. This initiative aims to digitize the manufacturing sector and help companies navigate the challenges of e-commerce.

Future Phases and Plans for Parkurda

Aydoğdu outlined the platform's vision through several phases:

1. Second Phase: Includes sharing accurate data regarding machine parts and products.
2. Third Phase: Will introduce a human resources platform to connect skilled workers with employers in the manufacturing sector, which will be fully operational by 2025.
3. Fourth Phase: Service providers will be added to the platform, unifying all elements of the manufacturing ecosystem.
4. Fifth Phase: Parkurda aims to expand into Europe and America, offering companies the opportunity to conduct e-export.

Hakan Aydoğdu stressed that Parkurda is the first platform in the world to manage catalog values in such a unique and transparent way, making it a place where competition is fierce, even for Tezmaksan itself.

Human Resources and Labor Shortages

The HR phase of Parkurda, which is currently in a manual phase, has already matched nearly 3,000 candidates through the contributions of Tezmaksan Academy. Aydoğdu highlighted the importance of a qualified workforce, noting the challenges in attracting employees for traditional roles while also pointing to the increasing interest among younger generations for more tech-driven positions in industries like robotics.

Industry Challenges and Opportunities

Aydoğdu also commented on the broader industrial landscape. He mentioned that the defense industry has driven the increased use of machine tools, contributing to higher production, employment, and exports. However, he pointed out the challenges faced by the sector, such as access to finance and frequent regulatory changes, which have hindered growth. He emphasized that industrialists in Turkey are making significant efforts to advance the sector, despite these challenges.

Additionally, Aydoğdu noted the labor shortage in the Far East, which has created a potential opportunity for Turkey to fill the gap and continue growing its machine manufacturing industry. He expressed optimism about the future of Turkish machine manufacturers, believing the outlook is bright as the sector continues to adapt and evolve.