At the 2024 InnoTrans fair, Railmarket had the opportunity to sit down with FZK, a key player in the railway, automotive, and aviation sectors, to discuss their company’s origins, their involvement in the railway industry, and their future plans. Here's what they had to say.
RM: For those unfamiliar with FZK, can you tell us about the company’s beginnings and how it started?
Emre Birgen, FZK: FZK was established by Ziraat Bank, a state-owned Turkish bank, with the purpose of providing specialized services to high-profile customers in the automotive, railway, and aviation sectors. Although we are a relatively new company, having been in existence for seven years, we work closely with experienced partners who have transferred their technical knowledge and infrastructure to us.
RM: Given that FZK has such a diverse portfolio, how significant is the railway sector for your business?
Emre Birgen, FZK: The railway sector plays a critical role for us. Initially, we started by manufacturing fixtures and jigs for the automotive and aviation industries. Over time, we recognized that our expertise in producing fixtures could be applied to the railway sector, especially with its rigorous certification processes, which align well with our capabilities. Since 2020, we have been focusing on railway production, and we now hold certifications for producing rail bodies, including TSI approvals for Y25 bogies and other components.
RM: FZK has a variety of capabilities in terms of production. Could you elaborate on your specific strengths, especially regarding aluminum car frames?
Emre Birgen, FZK: We are not just a bogie manufacturer. Our strengths include cutting, bending, shaping, assembling, welding, and designing. We have significant experience in working with both steel and aluminum, which is more challenging to weld. We produce aluminum car frames for well-known companies, including Hyundai Rotem, and supply parts such as front, side, and rear frames, roof structures, and undercarriages. Our state-of-the-art machinery, including CNC milling and welding tools, is leased through partnerships, enabling us to maintain high production standards.
RM: You mentioned that FZK is located near Istanbul. How does your location benefit your operations and your clients?
Emre Birgen, FZK: Our factory is in Gebze, strategically situated near Istanbul and only 10 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. This location makes it easy for European clients to visit, and it also facilitates the export of our products to European markets.
RM: What sets FZK apart from other companies, especially for potential European clients?
Emre Birgen, FZK: We view ourselves as a solution provider, not just a production company. Our clients can approach us with their specific needs, and we handle everything from design to production and calibration. This ability to offer tailored solutions, combined with our compliance with European standards, is one of the main reasons why European companies partner with us.
RM: FZK is known for producing specialized bodies, but can you share some insight into your latest heavy-duty project, the H1?
Emre Birgen, FZK: The H1 project began five years ago when we were working on aluminum components for both the automotive and railway sectors. After realizing that we had the necessary skills and technology, we decided to focus on railway products like the H1 heavy-duty body. While we can produce standard components such as Y25 bogies, our goal is to specialize in more complex and customized products.
RM: I understand that sustainability is also a focus for FZK. Could you explain your zero-waste certification and the use of green energy in production?
Emre Birgen, FZK: At FZK, we separate and recycle all waste materials. In addition to our zero-waste policy, we are investing in green energy through the installation of solar power plants at our facilities. Our aim is to ensure that the products we manufacture are made using sustainable energy sources. This not only aligns with European environmental standards but also reflects the direction Türkiye is heading towards in terms of sustainability.
RM: Looking to the future, are there specific markets in Europe that FZK is targeting?
Emre Birgen, FZK: We are focusing on key markets such as Germany, Poland, France, and Spain, but we are also open to providing specialized solutions to clients in other countries. Europe’s high standards make it an ideal market for us, and we are confident that our compliance with these standards will allow us to expand further into other regions, including Türkiye.
