We spoke with Sevda Baltacı, chair of the board of directors at Turkey-based Star Demir Çelik, about the services they provide, especially to the defense industry, and their plans for the coming period.
Could you briefly describe Star Demir Çelik and its areas of operation?
As Star Demir Çelik, we are a metal processing and manufacturing center that pushes the boundaries of metal. We manage our operations through our 2,800-square-meter main facility and our Balçık branch. What sets us apart in the market is our custom-built, large-scale machinery park that goes beyond standards, and our fully integrated structure spanning from production to delivery. At our certified facilities—backed by ISO quality certifications, an industrial registry certificate, and investment incentive and capacity reports—we have the capability to process sheets up to 13 meters in length and perform oxygen cutting on materials up to 250 mm thick.
What are the technical capabilities of your machine park and your logistical advantages?
Our machine park is designed to meet the industry’s most demanding and precise requirements. With our 30 kW laser system, we perform millimeter-precise cuts on materials up to 50 mm thick, while our 6-head oxygen cutting line, capable of handling lengths up to 13,000 mm, enables us to produce massive-scale components. With a total of 4 260A plasma lines, our high-tonnage press brake, and our welding production team, we transform sheet metal into finished products.
We do not limit our services to production alone; thanks to our extensive fleet of vehicles, we also manage logistics processes directly. In particular, by delivering to customers in nearby locations using our own vehicles, we guarantee “on-time delivery”, the most critical aspect of projects, with our own assurance.
Which strategic sectors do you serve?
We are the primary solution partner for sectors where the margin for error is near zero. We produce large-scale sheet metal parts for the shipbuilding industry, precision housings for the machinery industry, and high-quality components for the defense industry. Our status as a supplier approved by Turkey's Ministry of National Defense (MSB) is the most significant government-recognized certification of the quality discipline behind this massive operation.
What are your thoughts on the industry’s current challenges and cost pressures?
Today, manufacturers are grappling with exorbitant rent hikes and heavy tax burdens while simultaneously making technological investments. Especially for facilities like ours with massive production areas, rent costs are the biggest obstacle limiting investment appetite. To protect production, employment, and registered industrial investments, rent regulations in industrial zones and tax incentives supporting manufacturers are a strategic necessity.
What are your 2026 goals and growth strategy?
Our goal for 2026 is to combine “boutique service with mass production capabilities.” We will continue to strengthen our position in the defense industry through our certified supplier status and reinforce our vision of becoming Turkey’s leading center for thick sheet metal processing with our 30 kW laser technology. We will grow unabated with our own logistics network and production capacity across two locations.
Your final message?
At the heart of every project that manufactures machinery, builds ships, and strengthens national defense lies “steel.” Star Demir Çelik stands by Turkish industrial partners at all times with its technological strength, extensive fleet of vehicles, and MSB-certified reliability.