Success Story: Traditional Turkish company expands to Hannover - a strategic step towards Europe

Izmir on the Turkish Aegean coast is over 2,000 kilometers away from Hannover. Nevertheless, Sistas Umformtechnik GmbH, founded in 1978, decided to open its first international branch in the Tech 1 Technology Center in the Hannover-Marienwerder Science Park. One important reason for this: Managing Director Ali Dogru grew up in Hannover and knows the advantages of the location inside out. The business development agency hannoverimpuls was instrumental in supporting the establishment of the company.

Mr. Dogru, Sistas has made a name for itself as a steel forge since it was founded in Izmir in 1978. What makes your company special?

Sistas specializes in innovative solutions in forging and metal processing. Our customers - primarily from the agricultural and automotive sectors - send us 3D models of their components and we manufacture them precisely using our high-performance presses. With our broad expertise in forming technology, we serve a wide range of requirements - from cardan shafts for trucks to components for marine propulsion systems and construction machinery.

Why did you choose Hannover as your new location?

It was already clear to us in 2006 that we wanted to expand abroad. When hannoverimpuls started the active acquisition process, it was a happy coincidence for us. Especially because I have known Hannover since I was a child. The support from hannoverimpuls was enormous - be it in choosing the right type of company or in finding a notary from their network. This assistance made it much easier for us to settle here.

What goals are you pursuing with the branch office in Hannover?

My job is to identify and acquire potential customers from Germany and Europe, to be present at trade fairs and to further expand the network. We are focusing on several sectors - mining, hydraulic cylinder manufacturers, compressor construction, agricultural machinery and container manufacturers. In the long term, we want to set up a warehouse here so that we can also ship goods directly from Hannover.

Were there any challenges that hannoverimpuls was able to help with?

Definitely. hannoverimpuls not only advised us, but also actively arranged contacts. Practical help like this is worth its weight in gold. They were also a valuable partner when it came to networking with regional companies and integration into the local economy.

What tips would you give to other companies looking to set up in Hannover?

One important point is the question of personnel. Finding suitable employees locally is not easy. I believe that this prevents many companies from setting up here. Here, hannoverimpuls could certainly offer even more support with specific programs.

What are your plans for the future?

We currently employ 120 people in Izmir - 20 in the office and 100 in production. At the beginning of April, we will be starting a second plant in Turkey, which will enable us to produce forged steel products with a net weight of up to 400 kilos per part. This will open up completely new markets for us, particularly in heavy industry. Our hope for Hannover is that we can build up the planned warehouse and that our network continues to grow. We have already acquired our first customers since we moved here in May 2024 - and they are not just German companies. This shows that we are on the right track here.

Jana Augustin, Project Manager Internationalisation at hannoverimpuls, about Sistas Umformtechnik GmbH:

Sistas brings decades of experience in metal processing and enriches Hannover as a business location with its innovative strength. We are particularly pleased that Mr. Dogru, as Managing Director, actively uses the local advantages and makes optimum use of our network. We are convinced that Sistas will successfully establish itself here in the long term.