Advantech announced that it has acquired 25% of shares in the largest automation distributor in Turkey, Alitek to establish a strong foothold in the Turkish market, and further its sights on the Middle Eastern markets.
Vincent Chang, Sales Director of Advantech’s Industrial IoT Group, stated that the establishment of an overseas Advantech branch typically occurs in three stages. The company begins by selling its products via direct channels, and then starts a branch through a joint venture or investment, drawing on resources from headquarters to create an operational backbone. Finally, the branch is equipped to operate independently. Advantech’s decision to expand into Turkey is attributed to the country’s strong strategic advantage. These advantages derive from the country being situated on the Europe–Asia boundary and its close link with Europe, making it an ideal manufacturing and distribution hub for European white goods firms and the world’s largest automakers. These factors create a capacity for Industry 4.0 as well as new business opportunities amid the industrial IoT revolution. Equally important, Advantech sees its future business in Turkey as being fundamental to its entry into the Middle East and North Africa.
Advantech believes that through this deal—which allows for synergizing Advantech’s strengths in conducting business and marketing worldwide, plus Alitek’s extensive channel network in Turkey—both companies can generate substantial profits in Turkey and the Middle East.
Cem Celik, the founder of Alitek said, “besides having been in partnership for nearly two decades, Alitek and Advantech are ‘altruistic,’ a virtue that enables Alitek to provide Turkish customers with reliable solutions and quality services.”
