BY VAHAP MUNYAR
Koc Group appliance company Arcelik has taken first place in Europe with its 9.2% market share, Arcelik CEO Hakan Bulgurlu said, adding that sales in European countries have reached EUR 2.6bn. Pointing out Arcelik-Beko’s position in the world, “10 years ago, we were 11th in the world. Today we are ranked 8th. Our goal is to be in the top three in the world,” he said at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin.
Bulgurlu also said that acquisition of Whirlpool in Russia was completed on August 31. Thus, two factories that employ 4,500 people will be passed on to Arcelik, increasing the company’s number of employees to 5,500 in the country. Arcelik produces in 30 factories in nine countries (Turkey, China, Romania, Russia, South Africa, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh) for its 12 brands including Arcelik, Beko, Grundig, Altus, Leisure, Arctic, Dawlance, Defy, Blomberg, Elektrabregenz, Flavel, and VoltasBeko. Serving in 52 countries with its 79 subsidiaries, international sales make up the 77% of Arcelik’s growth.
“Our consolidated turnover increased by 66.8% in 2021 and reached TRY 68bn 6.5 billion Euros. We achieved 122% growth on TL basis in the first six months of this year, reaching a consolidated turnover of TRY 60.4bn,” said Arcelik CEO. The company expects 17% growth in Euro terms and EUR 7.63bn turnover this year, he added.
Bulgurlu referred to Koc Holding Honorary Chairman Rahmi Koc’s words on Arcelik’s place within the group: “If Koc Holding had a crown, Arcelik would have been the diamond on it.” Arcelik is a growing, profitable company that contributes significantly to Koc Holding and Turkey in terms of sustainability, Bulgurlu added.
