SANKO Celebrates It’s 120th Anniversary With Art
SANKO Holding, one of the leading companies of the Turkish industry, celebrates its 120th anniversary with the exhibition “Sahre”, which brings its past story together with art. SANKO Holding, whose foundations were laid five generations ago, in 1904, with the weaving looms established by the great-grandfather Misafirzade Sani Efendi in Gaziantep, is 120 years old today. Adding value to the Turkish economy over the years, SANKO Holding stands out with its steady growth and contributions to society. SANKO Holding Chairman Adil Sani Konukoğlu said, “I do not doubt that the generations after us will carry SANKO to much better places in the coming years. I have great confidence in young people in this sense.” Konukoğlu said, “Our great-grandfather Sani Bey laid the foundations of weaving in Gaziantep in 1904, grew with the efforts of our grandfather Zekeriye, and turned into a world-class group of companies with the vision and work of our late father Sani Konukoğlu.” and continued his words as follows: “Our production journey began in Gaziantep at the beginning of the last century. Our great-grandfather, the late Mr. Sani, started work with a weaving loom in 1904. Our grandfather laid the foundations of our group, but it was our grandmother Hatice Hanım who continued the business with a lot of effort. Our grandmother Hatice Hanım was the one who ran the looms of our grandfather, who was martyred in the Yemen War, in great difficulty and provided for her family. While running the business, she also raises my grandfather Mr. Zekeriye. When my grandfather reached a certain age, he took over the business from my grandmother. Not many people know this story, but the foundations of today’s SANKO are the labour and hard work of a woman. After his military service, my father Sani Bey continues his partnership with my grandfather and takes over the business. My grandfather retires and my father continues to work alone. Then, after we grew up, we also joined my father. We preferred to work together, saying that teamwork makes the dream work.” Konukoğlu stated that they are proud to celebrate the 120th anniversary of SANKO Holding and concluded his words as follows: “As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, I am full of respect and gratitude to our esteemed family elders. On the other hand, while my brothers and I grow our business in line with the promises we made to our father, we always carry out social benefit-oriented activities to offer what we earn from these lands to these lands and our people. We continue the production journey started by our family elders by pioneering the sectors in every field we operate with our SANKO Family of 14,000 people today. Each family has its own unique structures, values, and experiences. There is a great knowledge brought by those values and unity. I celebrate our 120th anniversary with the hope of strengthening this accumulation with new stories that produce value, and I would like to thank our artists and everyone who contributed to this meaningful exhibition with their works.” SANKO HOLDING CROWNS ITS 120TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ART In its 120th year, SANKO is hosting the exhibition titled Sahre, in which Hakan Yilmaz, Leyla Emadi, Jennifer İpekel, Nergiz Yesil, Fırat Engin, and, Murat Germen are invited to the exhibition curated by Ayça Okay, which celebrates the common values of the institution such as family, loyalty, collective work, sustainability by feeding on the spirit of the Sahre tradition and combines tradition with contemporary art. Artists realized their art productions inspired by 120 years of memory with the inspiration they received from SANKO. Various materials and production processes related to SANKO’s fields of activity were interpreted by contemporary artists and transformed into artworks. The word “Sahre”, which constitutes the theme of the exhibition, describes a tradition dating back to the past in Gaziantep and its region. With the philosophy of “6 days work, one day rest”, points to the times when the people of Gaziantep come together and spend time together, share their meals, share their troubles and seek solutions, celebrate good news and plan their common future. This tradition also explains the importance of solidarity and strengthening social ties. The innovative approach of contemporary art, which deals with issues from a different perspective, exemplifies SANKO’s innovative and pioneering identity that has been open to innovations throughout its history. EXHIBITION INCLUDES WORKS BY SIX CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS Sahre brings together the productions in different sectors in which SANKO Holding is present in an experimental form that contemporary artists can interpret. In addition, the digital experience area titled “Loops of Time” by Hakan Yılmaz, which tells the audience the journey of this deep-rooted corporate history, tells the 120-year story of SANKO Holding by creating a link between conventional and digital art. Murat Germen, with his practice focusing on machinery and industrial aesthetics, interprets SANKO Holding’s dynamic, disciplined and professional production facilities through his lens and transforms it into a collective project with the workshop attended by SANKO Holding employees. This visual narrative reveals how the holding has been able to stand firm and upright for many years on its journey from Anatolian lands to the global arena. Leyla Emadi presents a work that glorifies family ties and intergenerational unity by using concrete and roots intertwined. The work reflects SANKO’s values of solidity, loyalty and durability, and reminds us of the holding’s legacy rooted in regional development and society. Positioned in the centre of the courtyard, the work also points to the socio-economic contributions of SANKO, which focuses on social benefits. The ‘sharing’ theme of the courtyard stands out here as ‘memory sharing. Fırat Engin carries the words “Rafık”, “Hasbihal”, “Elden Ele”, “Vuslat”, which refer to the SAHRE tradition with neon typographies. In his work, which uses the packaging films of Super Film, he aims to protect SANKO’s past and values and transfer them to future generations, while pointing to SANKO’s determination to protect cultural heritage. Using recycled fabrics and traditional techniques such as batik, stitching, and patchwork,
SANKO Holding became the Main Sponsor of the Turkish National Paralympic Committee
SANKO Holding, to support our Paralympic athletes who successfully represent Türkiye in the international arena, the National Paralympic Committee of Türkiye has undertaken the main sponsorship. Ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has carried its support for our special athletes further with cooperation. SANKO Holding, one of Türkiye’s leading industrial organisations, undertook the main sponsorship of the committee with the protocol signed with the Turkish National Paralympic Committee (TMPK). SANKO Holding, which has been the individual sponsor of Para National Archer Yiğit Caner Aydın, who has world championships in previous years, has carried its commitment to support special athletes further by undertaking the main sponsorship of the Turkish National Paralympic Committee. With this support, SANKO aims to ensure development in the field of Paralympic sports and to extend the social impact created to a wider audience, especially with female Paralympic athletes. Konukoğlu: “We are delighted to accompany our Paralympic athletes, who give very special messages to Türkiye and the world, on their journey.” Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding, stated that SANKO has always aimed to grow by adding value to the society throughout its 120 years of deep-rooted history and said, “Contributing to the well-being and good future of the society is one of our most important priorities. Being aware of the positive effects of sports on society, we carry out projects and activities that support sports and athletes. We are very proud to see our athletes representing our country successfully in the world. Our Paralympic athletes are also fighting very important battles. We appreciate their efforts. The Turkish National Paralympic Committee also undertakes an important mission for Paralympic athletes to fulfill their potential and achieve success. We thank them for their valuable contribution. We have signed a new cooperation with the Turkish National Paralympic Committee in order to stand by our Paralympic athletes and to support them in removing the obstacles on their way to success. Good luck to you. We are delighted to accompany our athletes, who give very special messages to Türkiye and the world with the transformative power of sports, on their journey. Their indomitability, diligence, and hope are the most important values for all of us. I sincerely believe that our athletes will successfully represent our country at the Paralympic Games in Paris and bring new championships. I wish them all success.” TMPK President Dr. Aksu: “SANKO has added strength to us and our athletes with its power beyond the borders of the country.” Dr. Av. Murat Aksu, President of the Turkish National Paralympic Committee, made the following statement regarding the cooperation: “The Turkish National Paralympic Committee is a 22-year story and the real heroes of this story are our athletes. Our vision, which is to lead the adoption of the Paralympic movement in all segments of society and to provide equal, fair, and the best sports and living environment for our athletes, will undoubtedly be meaningful and sustainable with strong collaborations. This cooperation with SANKO Holding, which supports this very idea, has made both our committee, our athletes and our Paralympic community extremely happy just before the Paris Paralympic Games. SANKO, which is one of the leading brands of our country, has added strength to the strength of us and our athletes with its power beyond the borders of the country. In addition to being the Main Sponsor of our Committee, I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Adil Sani Konukoğlu and SANKO Family for giving a very meaningful social message by starting to support our 4 female athletes this year. I hope that our cooperation will continue for many years and we will sign many more meaningful projects together.” Paralympic athletes are happy: “We are preparing for the Paralympics with more enthusiasm and strength, because we have a big family behind us who believes in us…” In addition to the main sponsorship of TMPK, SANKO Holding will start to support national para table tennis player Merve Cansu Demir, national para taekwondo player Seçil Er, national para athlete Aysel Önder, and national para shooter Çağla Baş who will compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. National athlete Aysel Önder, one of the Paralympic athletes supported by the group, said, “Having SANKO Holding by my side gave me great strength not only financially but also morally. This kind of athlete support is a source of motivation for us in every training and every race. SANKO Holding is not only a sponsor, but also my travelling companion”, while national para taekwondo player Seçil Er said, “Unfortunately, para athletes do not receive enough attention and support. However, the support of companies to para athletes and other athletes has a very important place. This approach of SANKO Holding is also very valuable in terms of raising awareness about money sports and athletes in the society. With this support, we are taking an important step towards increasing not only our own success but also the general acceptance and awareness of money sports. I would like to thank SANKO Holding for this meaningful support.” National Para shooter Çağla Baş said, “With this support, I am preparing for the Paralympic Games in Paris with greater faith and determination. I work even harder every day because I have a big family behind me who believes in me.” National para table tennis player Merve Cansu Demir, another athlete supported by SANKO Holding, said: “We just want to show that we are equal athletes. Such collaborations help us in this regard. I would like to thank the SANKO Family for their valuable contribution. Their support allows us to compete on equal terms and to bring our sport to more people.” World Champion national para archer Yiğit Caner Aydın, whose main sponsorship was undertaken by SANKO Holding on the 100th anniversary of the Republic, stated that this support is a cooperation that keeps the spirit of the Paralympic movement alive for him and said, “I am an athlete who dreams of inspiring people with sports, changing
SANKO Holding’s 2 Companies Are on the FORTUNE 500 Türkiye List
Fortune, one of the world’s leading economy publications, announced its annual “Fortune 500 Türkiye” research, which lists the largest companies in Türkiye’s economy. In the list prepared within the scope of the research based on the total net sales of the companies in 2023, ÇİMKO Cement and Concrete, one of the SANKO Holding group companies, entered the list at the 148th place and ranked 4th in the sector. SANKO Pazarlama, which was ranked 350th last year, rose to 338th place and ranked 8th in the sector ranking. In terms of company distribution by province, ÇİMKO Cement and Concrete ranked 5th and SANKO Marketing placed 10th among the companies in Gaziantep.
SANKO Hosted a Special Press Gathering for the 120th Anniversary
SANKO Holding, carrying its deep-rooted heritage into the future with continuous investments, invited economy journalists from national newspapers and magazines to Gaziantep hosted by the Chairman of the Board Adil Sani Konukoğlu, as part of the 120th anniversary celebrations. During the program, SANKO shared information about its 120 years of success story, its journey of production from past to present and its social & cultural activities. Speaking to journalists, Chairman of the Board Adil Sani Konukoğlu began by expressing respect to senior family members, saying, “As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, I am grateful to our ancestors.” He continued, “Founded by our great grandfather Sani Bey in 1904 with textile production in Gaziantep, carried forward by the unforgettable efforts of our grandmother Hatice Hanım and our grandfather Zekeriye Bey, SANKO transformed into a global group of companies under the visionary leadership of our father Sani Konukoğlu, Holding continues its journey today as a family business where the 5 siblings work together, believing in the strength of unity.” He emphasized SANKO’s commitment to contributing to the Turkish economy and employment by continuing to offer what they have gained from these lands back again to Türkiye and our people. Regarding sustainability, as a prominent topic nowadays, he noted, “Our company is the epitome of sustainability. Inspired by our father Sani Konukoğlu’s saying, ‘A facility that does not renew itself, renews its owner!’, we constantly update the company with a focus on digitalization and technological transformation. In other words, we embrace sustainability as a business model.” Sharing the happiness of reaching 120th year anniversary with journalists, SANKO Holding today, with its SANKO family of 14.000 employees, it operates in 11 different sectors, primarily textiles, and makes investments while providing employment. In addition to textiles, the company is among Türkiye’s largest producers in packaging, cement and renewable energy sectors. SANKO Holding Chairman of the Board Adil Sani Konukoğlu, speaking to journalists, emphasized, “We are determined to continue our stable growth as a group of companies born in Gaziantep, expanding its reach across Turkey and globally. For 120 years, we have never given up on our passion to produce and invest for Türkiye. We have an investment program of approximately 300 million dollars for 2024. This year, we plan to invest around 65 million dollars in textiles, 90 million dollars in energy, 50 million dollars in packaging, 40 million dollars in cement and 35 million dollars in the port sector. Technology, innovation and R&D issues take priority in our investment plans. We allocate approximately 1.2 percent of our annual turnover to R&D investments.” During the 120th anniversary special press tour, SANKO Textile facilities, which is one of the world’s leading yarn & fabric manufacturers and has one of the largest solar panel energy systems in its sector, and Super Film facilities, the world’s and Europe’s leading flexible packaging film producer, were visited. SANKO Textile General Manager Gökhan Aydın and Super Film Packaging General Manager Fahri Özer gave detailed information about the sectors. SANKO Holding also announced at this meeting that it aims to be a pioneer in the global and local market in recycled fiber production with the “RE&UP” technology developed as a result of its own R&D studies of more than 10 years. Operating with recycled fiber facilities in Gaziantep and Bursa, RE&UP stands out as a revolutionary new generation technology initiative that transforms textile waste into quality, sustainable and ready-to-use recycled raw materials. Operating with the awareness of being a responsible manufacturer exporting to more than 100 countries, SANKO Holding continues its activities in cooperation with its stakeholders by prioritizing contributing to society and the environment. With its commitment to providing a sustainable life for future generations, the company shapes its work around combating environmental and social challenges such as climate change, depletion of natural resources and social inequalities. Resolutely advancing in line with its goals within the scope of the Green Deal, SANKO Holding aims to increase energy efficiency, reduce its carbon footprint and apply circular economy principles in order to achieve its set goals. With its social responsibility vision that aims to contribute to the welfare and beautiful future of the society, SANKO Holding gives priority to projects that support especially young people in education, health, culture & arts and sports. The Holding, which has built 25 schools and transferred them to the Ministry of National Education through the Sani Konukoğlu Foundation, which was established in 1989, has also provided scholarship opportunities to more than 25 thousand students. Nearly 4 thousand students have received education at SANKO University, which was established in 2013 with the aim of improving the quality in the field of health and becoming a reference university. SANKO University Hospital, which started operating in 1996, is one of the largest healthcare institutions in our country with a capacity of 600 beds under one roof. By closely following the developments in the medical world, the first heart surgery in the region was performed at Sanko University Hospital. The first IVF Center of the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Region was established at SANKO University Hospital in 2001. In the special press tour held within the scope of the 120th anniversary of SANKO Holding, journalists had the opportunity to listen to the achievements of Private SANKO Schools in the fields of science, sports and arts, with the participation of their internationally award-winning students, hosted by SANKO Schools General Manager Fırat Mümtaz Asyalı. A conversation was held with the students that touched the audience. On the other hand, SANKO Holding builds a bridge between the past and the future with the understanding of “Those who do not protect their past have no future.” It protects the common cultural values of humanity by contributing to large-scale cultural heritage projects that reflect important firsts for Türkiye. SANKO Holding, which has sponsored the rescue excavations initiated to prevent the unique mosaics in the Zeugma Ancient City from being submerged, has been working with the Turkish Republic since 2015. Under the auspices of the Ministry
SANKO Holding’s 4 Companies Are Among the TOP 500 Industrial Companies in Türkiye
SANKO Holding companies, ÇİMKO Cement and Concrete, SANKO Textile, SANKO Energy and Super Film Packaging, once again were included in Türkiye’s Top 500 Largest Industrial Enterprises list. According to the research conducted by the İstanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO) based on the net sales figures of the companies in 2023, ÇİMKO Cement and Concrete ranks 115th, SANKO Textile ranks 174th, SANKO Energy ranks 259th and Super Film Packaging ranks 365th. ÇİMKO Cement and Concrete has risen in the list 35 places, while SANKO Energy has climbed 3 places.
SANKO Holding Participated in the ÇEVREFEST
SANKO Holding took part in ÇEVREFEST, within the scope of Türkiye Environment Week events hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Turkey. At the event, detailed information was provided about SANKO Energy, which contributes to Turkey’s green energy transformation, and the recycling initiative RE&UP that plays a leading role in the transition to a circular economy. SANKO Holding CSO Enise Ademoğlu Matbay, spoke at the panel titled “Innovative Approaches for a Sustainable Environment” explaining SANKO Holding’s future goals regarding sustainability and innovative investments made in various industries, from textile to energy, from packaging to construction sector. Matbay stated that SANKO’s all activities are continuing within the scope of its environmental sustainability policy with the aim of leaving a better world to future generations.
SANKO Energy Receives Capital 500 Award
The Capital 500 Awards Ceremony, honoring the category leaders of Turkey’s prominent companies listed in the Capital 500 List, recently took place. According to research conducted by Capital Magazine, Enko Energy, a subsidiary of SANKO Energy Group, was awarded third place in the category of ‘Companies with the Highest Revenue Growth.’ The award was presented to Mr. Evren Güvenç, the General Manager of SANKO Energy.
Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of SANKO Holding, has attended the Uludağ Economy Summit.
Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding, who has attended the Uludağ Economy Summit, in which the business world has come together, stated that they have adopted the sustainability as the main strategy within all of their companies. Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of SANKO Holding, has attended the panel “Sustainable Business Models and Strategies for the 21st Century” at the Uludağ Economy Summit. Saying “We are on the eve of a major change environmentally, socially and economically,” Konukoğlu has stated that, as a 120-year-old industrial company as of 1904, they have played a critical role, and that they have carried out pioneering works. “THERE IS CHANGE IN LIFE. WE ALL HAVE TO ADAPT TO THE CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION” Saying that it is more difficult to achieve the sustainability and change within the traditional companies, Konukoğlu has said “While incorporating a new company, you shape anything based on the current conditions; however, there are employees who have been serving within the company for a period of 30-40 years; in such case, we might sometimes have difficulty in making changes. There is change in life. We all have to adapt to the change and transformation,” he has said. Stating that he has realized that he has difficulty in communicating with the young generation with the changing world, and that he has received the reverse mentoring training from the 18-22 and 24-year-old young persons and that he has find out how to approach and communicate with the new generation, Konukoğlu has said “I have required such matter for our managers as well. As of June, all managers serving within our organization will receive the reverse mentoring training. “Thus, we will find out from which perspective to look at the world” he has said. Emphasizing that SANKO Holding has been struggling to become a sustainable company for a period of 120 years, Konukoğlu has continued his words as follows: “My deceased father, Mr. Sani Konukoğlu, would say ‘Any enterprise, which does not renew itself, renews its owner. If you cannot adapt to the change process of the period, then someone will definitely come and acquire your company, and they will perform the change.’ Change does not just happen in your own company. While performing the change, you also have to take into account your environment. We are working in cooperation with the companies that are responsible within the entire supply chain. Also, we are trying to be together with our friends other than our employees, and to address their problems in all of the cities in which we operate. We are trying to act together.” SANKO HOLDING LEADING THE CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION WITHIN THE INDUSTRIES SANKO Holding that leads the industries by making good use of technology in different industrial areas, in which it operates, makes technological investments in many sectors ranging from textile to energy, construction and packaging, and it intends for technological transformation at global standards by planning the digital transformations in the processes of all companies within its organization. Explaining that SANKO Holding has carried out pioneering work in the industries, in which it operates, Konukoglu has underlined the following information about the sustainability works carried out in the industries: “We have made our investments in order to gain the recyclable heat in the cement industry. We continue to work in order to reduce the carbon footprint. We have allocated a budget of around 15 million dollars for R&D. We intend to produce the innovative and sustainable products. Approximately 100 million tons of waste is generated in the world textile industry, and only 1 percent thereof can be recycled. We are trying to lead the industry with respect to recycling.” Saying that they consider the textile wastes and re-use the same for fabric production in the textile recycling facility, which has been launched in 2021, Konukoğlu has said “We have allocated a budget of around 150 million dollars for such matter.” Stating that their recycling initiative RE&UP provides contribution to the circular economy with its revolutionary technology, Konukoğlu has told “Our new initiative RE&UP will play a leading role regarding transition to the sustainable fashion and circular economy in the local and global markets with its technology, which is the product of SANKO R&D.” Clean energy investments SANKO Energy, which has a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio, has an installed power of 1000 MW. “In the energy industry, we make all of our investments in the renewable energy sources. We have no fossil fuel investments, nor do we plan to do so. We also have many innovative works in the packaging industry. For example, we are working on the films that are derived from the seaweed grown on land. It has received the Worldstar Award in the world. In addition to sustainably renewing our products, we work with all our strength in order to protect our environment and ecosystem. As SANKO, we allocate most of the profit, we make, to our work for the ecosystem.” he has said, and he has emphasized the sensitivity of the holding regarding such matter. “We care about the presence of women in business life” Talking about Sanko Holding’s sustainability steps, Adil Sani Konukoğlu has emphasized that the participation rate of women in business life, which makes up half of Türkiye’s population, is quite low, and he also has included SANKO Holding’s women’s employment targets in his speech. Konukoğlu has said, “We will increase our female employee rate to 40 percent until 2030 and to 50 percent until 2035.” He has concluded his speech with the words: “If I do not see a female CV alternative to a male CV for the managerial position in the appointments performed today, I will not approve it.” In addition to Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding, Ebru Dildar Edin, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Business and Sustainable Development Council Türkiye, Murat Bilgic, Member of the Board of Directors of Industrial Development
SANKO Holding February 6 Documentary Released: “Family ComesTogether, Everything Gets Better”
SANKO Holding’s documentary about what happened in the year following the earthquakes that took place on February 6, 2023, was released. Employees, stakeholders and managers of Gaziantep-based SANKO Holding living in the region talked about the work done since the first moment of the earthquake in the documentary. Adil Sani Konukoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SANKO Holding, stated that, as a big family, they continue to heal the wounds by believing in the power of unity and solidarity and continue to work to ensure the redevelopment of the region.
GAIB Stars Of Export Award Ceremony
SANKO Holding companies SANKO Foreign Trade Inc. and SANKO Textile were awarded by the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters’ Associations (GAIB) for their success in exports. GAIB Coordinator President Fikret Kileci, President of Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters Association Celal Kadıoğlu, President of Carpet Exporters Association Zeynal Abidin Kaplan and President of Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association Mehmet Çıkmaz presented the awards together with the protocol members. SANKO Holding Board Member Cengiz Konukoğlu received the award of SANKO Foreign Trade Inc. from Gaziantep MP Abdulhamit Gül, while SANKO Textile’s award was presented to SANKO Holding Board Member Yiğitcan Konukoğlu by Mehmet Ali Kılıç, Vice President of GAIB Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association.