Operating from a 4,500 m² smart facility in Istanbul’s İMES Industrial Zone, Piksan CNC Metal Processing is scaling its growth through precision manufacturing and export-oriented strategy. With its Toolex brand, the company delivers advanced carbide cutting tools to Europe while helping reduce Türkiye’s dependency on imports.
The company’s journey began in the 1970s in Istanbul’s historic Perşembe Pazarı. Selim Çolakoğlu’s father returned from Switzerland with machining knowledge and technical tools, setting up a small workshop. Over time, the company relocated to Topçular and eventually to İMES Sanayi Sitesi, where in 2018 it moved into its current 4,500 m² facility. Today, all production takes place here, supported by a modern CNC machine park and skilled workforce.
Swiss-grade precision for global industries
Piksan CNC specializes in precision components for the automotive and machinery sectors. With 15 high-tech CNC machines, the company processes stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and brass with tolerances down to one ten-thousandth of a millimeter. Monthly production can reach up to 30,000 units. “We manufacture according to exact customer specifications and always deliver consistent quality on time,” says Vice General Manager Selim Çolakoğlu. Alongside component manufacturing, Piksan produces high-performance carbide cutting tools such as end mills, drills, and reamers. These tools, made from Swiss-imported raw materials, meet international standards and are known for their precision—down to 0.1 mm, roughly the thickness of a human hair.
R&D, localization, and the rise of Toolex
R&D has become a key pillar of the company’s strategy. In partnership with TÜBİTAK TEYDEB and local universities, Piksan has developed specialized tools previously unavailable in the domestic market. In 2021, it began producing modular gear-cutting end mills—tools not manufactured in Türkiye before. Today, these are exported to Germany and Switzerland. “Every year, we launch a new R&D project that targets unmet needs in the market,” says Çolakoğlu. The company’s export efforts are led by its international brand, Toolex, launched in 2004. The brand name combines “tool” and “extra,” reflecting its commitment to precision and durability. Currently, Toolex products account for half of Piksan’s tool production, with the other half customized to client specifications. These tools can be resharpened and reused up to ten times through the company’s regrinding services, supporting sustainability while lowering costs for clients.
“These are not simple household drills,” explains Çolakoğlu. “They are 20 times more expensive and built for industrial-level endurance.” The company uses Swiss raw materials from Hartmetall Estech AG and operates with grinding systems offering 500x optical magnification, ensuring high consistency across all products.
Expanding capacity to meet European demand
Piksan currently employs 80 staff and plans to recruit 20 more to meet growing demand. As European customers increasingly prioritize short lead times and high quality, interest is rising from countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria. To address this, the company aims to expand its machine park, enter new markets, and leverage programs like KOSGEB’s export initiatives. “We plan to add two to three new export countries each year,” notes Çolakoğlu. With decades of expertise, strong R&D capabilities, and international-grade quality, Piksan CNC Metal Processing stands out as a reliable partner in the highprecision manufacturing space. By combining local production power with global vision, the company is shaping Türkiye’s industrial future one micron at a time.