From tractors to construction machinery, and from heavy-duty trucks to semi-trailers, İsfur operates across a very wide production range and has significantly accelerated its global activities in recent years. We spoke with Export Manager Furkan Keleş about the success story of İsfur, which is also known for its innovations:
Could you share with us the founding story and areas of activity of İsfur Otomotiv? What were the main motivations that led you into this sector?
The journey of İsfur Otomotiv is, in fact, a reflection of Türkiye’s industrialization story. This process began in 1980 with Kems Elektronik, founded by İsmail Keleş, and was built on precision metal processing and technical manufacturing discipline. Over the years, we directed the technical expertise we gained toward turbocharger systems, one of the most critical components in the automotive industry. Today, under the Saffer brand, we produce for a wide range of vehicles—from tractors and construction equipment to heavy-duty trucks and semi-trailers. Our primary motivation in entering this sector was recognizing the gap for “high-quality domestic production” in the global market and the desire to make the Saffer name a symbol of trust worldwide.
What distinguishes Saffer Turbo from its competitors? Could you tell us about your product portfolio?
At the heart of our portfolio are Saffer-branded turbocharger systems. Currently, we produce for more than 80 truck, tractor, and heavy vehicle models. However, for us, quality matters more than quantity. The most defining feature that sets Saffer products apart from competitors is what we call the “engineering margin.” When designing our products, we base them on real-world operating conditions—whether it’s a tractor working in the field or a truck traveling long distances—and optimize durability and performance accordingly. Our collaborations with well-established European spare parts suppliers are concrete proof of the stable and sustainable quality standards we offer. We don’t just provide a component; we deliver a longlasting performance solution at the heart of the engine.
Could you provide information about your R&D and innovation activities? What technologies do you use in your new product development processes?
For us, innovation is not just about acquiring new machinery; it is an integral part of our production culture. Thanks to our R&D team, which operates with the precision of the defense industry, we minimize our margin of error. When developing a new turbo model, we use advanced aerodynamic simulations and metallurgical analyses to optimize the component’s impact on fuel efficiency and torque increase. In addition, by extending digitalization beyond production processes, we enhance our operational speed. With the technological infrastructure we offer to our partners, we ensure a transparent and error-free process at every stage, from order to delivery.
How is the transformation in the automotive sector (electric vehicles, sustainable production, etc.) affecting your production and product strategies?
Although the shift toward electric vehicles is widely discussed in the automotive world, the need for the power of internal combustion engines will continue for many years in the logistics and agricultural sectors. At this point, we base our strategy on “the most efficient version of existing technology.” The importance of turbocharger systems is increasing day by day in achieving lower emission values and maximizing fuel efficiency. As İsfur, while integrating sustainable production techniques into our factory, we are also developing high-efficiency turbo technologies that are fully compatible with the environmentally friendly engine standards of the future.
Could you tell us about your export activities? In which markets are you active, and what are your global growth targets?
Exports are the strongest pillar defining Saffer’s identity. Today, we operate across a wide geography— from the Middle East to Europe, and from North Africa to Central Asia—under our star-and-crescent emblem. Our strategic partnerships with established European supply networks certify the position of Turkish engineering on a global scale. Our global growth vision is not only to increase our sales figures but also to become a global brand recognized as a “quality benchmark” by local service providers and machinery manufacturers on every continent. For us, every exported turbo represents the trust placed in Türkiye’s manufacturing strength.
What are your goals and investments for the upcoming period? Where do you plan to position the İsfur brand in the future?
Our main goal for the upcoming period is to rapidly diversify our current portfolio of 80+ models in line with market dynamics and to gradually expand our production capacity through technological investments. In the future, we aim to position the İsfur brand as a reliable Turkish engineering brand present alongside every engine in motion, both in the global turbocharger industry and the international spare parts market. By planning our investments with a focus on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and highly qualified human resources, we are determined to carry the Saffer name to the top tier of the global arena.
