Interview with Nisso Behar, CEO of Kobe Poliüretan San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

We had a pleasant conversation with Nisso Behar, Chief Executive Officer of Kobe Poliüretan San. ve Tic. A.Ş., about his professional background in the industry, the company's establishment process and range of services.

Could you briefly tell our readers about yourself, your education and your professional background in the industry?

I was born in Istanbul in 1970. After completing my undergraduate degree in English Business Administration at Istanbul University, I finished my master's degree in Marketing at San Francisco University. I first entered this sector professionally in 1996 by joining the sales team at Kimteks Kimya. I then led the establishment of Turkey's first polyurethane systems manufacturing facility as Director. I held an active role from 1999 to 2015. After 20 years of experience, we founded KOBE Poliüretan and began serving the industry.

Could you provide brief information about your company's establishment process, facilities and production?

KOBE Poliüretan was established in August 2015 in the GEBKİM Organized Industrial Zone located in Dilovası, Kocaeli. Our facility, built on an area of 25,000 m2, contains production lines for saturated polyester resin, MDI prepolymer, catalysts and polymix. We commenced production as of August 2016. We have annual production capacity of 10,000 tons of polyester polyol and 12,000 tons of prepolymer.

Could you tell us about your product groups and product characteristics? Which industries do you serve?

After a one-year factory setup phase, we began production in August 2016. In the last quarter of 2016, we made a rapid entry into the industry. In the initial phase, we began serving the footwear sector. In line with our customers' needs, we created a product range addressing all product groups in this sector. Feedback from our customers indicates that our products for all types of soles, slippers and safety footwear have raised the quality bar in the industry one notch higher. At the end of 2016, we began marketing molded polyurethane foams for the automotive and office groups, on which we had conducted R&D activities for a long time.

Could you tell us about your sales activities? Which regions do you primarily serve?

Our primary objective in our operations is to provide service that can meet customer demands. Technical properties of products vary according to geographical characteristics. In line with these needs, we serve throughout Turkey and neighboring regions with customer satisfaction in mind. At the same time, we closely monitor global developments and economic trends. We chart our course accordingly.

Could you provide information about your laboratory and R&D activities? What can you say about your R&D investments?

Our R&D team consists of experienced technical personnel in the industry. To enable this team to work more efficiently, we established a laboratory infrastructure equipped with the latest technology devices used in the industry. Beginning from synthesis work, all analyses are conducted to reflect how the product will appear in its final form at the customer's site.

Could you provide information about your company's mission and vision? What are the characteristics that distinguish you from your competitors?

Our mission is built on creating differentiation and added value. To be an innovative raw material supplier to our customers, produce special solutions and provide support that will make them competitive in their own industries. This way, we create added value for our employees, suppliers and customers alike. Our vision is to become a recognized company in Turkey and neighboring regions by 2022, known for quality and innovative approach, working in harmony and agreement with our employees, customers and suppliers, creating a benefit chain. The most distinctive feature that sets us apart from our competitors is the average experience level of our team in the polyurethane field. Kobe Polyurethane emerged as a fruit of gains made in the past. It was established with confident steps, consciously and with zero defects. Compared to other domestic producers, we started service with the most experienced team in the industry. I am confident that with this aspect, we will make a difference in the sector.

Could you provide information about your company's quality policy and principles? Do you provide after-sales support to your customers?

Our quality policy is to manufacture in accordance with customer expectations according to national and international standards, ensure continuity in quality and deliver to our customers on time. Providing pre-sales and after-sales support to our customers is the most important part of our business. Our technically experienced team provides support both on products and processes by correctly understanding customer demands and expectations and responding quickly.

What can you say about internal communication in your organization? What activities are you conducting to improve your employees' performance?

First of all, I feel like a full part of the team and I believe I make my employees feel this way as well. We are a true core family, you understand. This warmth, high success motivation and sense of belonging lead our team members to run to work. Besides this, we periodically reinforce this family atmosphere with dining events. I have endless faith that this is the foundation of our success. It is very important to me that my team works with pleasure and enjoyment. For this reason, we reward each of our successes among ourselves.

What activities are you conducting regarding environmental protection and workplace safety sensitivity?

The biggest advantage of being a company located within an O.S.B. is fulfilling our responsibilities to the environment in the best way possible, so we take strict measures in this regard. We collect all our chemical waste, whether hazardous or not, and give them to licensed disposal companies. By working with environmental consulting firms, we obtain professional support on this matter and minimize the possibility of waste reaching the environment. We also receive consulting support on workplace safety. We conduct risk analyses. We periodically provide workplace safety training to our employees. We have the "Explosion Prevention Document" prepared under the ATEX scope. This way, we foresee dangers and take precautions.

Could you provide information about your targets and projects?

We try to move forward with an innovative approach in the polyurethane field. Among our targets is developing products that will add value to both our company and our industry. Creating new areas of application and producing domestic substitutes for imported products are at the top of our targets.

What are your views on the polyurethane sector? Is there a message you would like to convey to the industry?

The polyurethane sector has a 5% growth rate worldwide. Turkey is the country with the fastest growth rate after China. Very successful work is being conducted in this field in Turkey. Polyurethane, being a versatile product, will continuously create new areas of application for itself, so we believe we are in a sector that is correct and has a bright future. Of course, our duty is not to stand still where we are, but to be a company that creates innovations.

Finally, is there a message you would like to convey to the industry?

Polyurethane finds new applications for itself every day. We all encounter at least one polyurethane material in our daily lives. In our homes, in our cars, in our clothes, in parks, in gardens… As Kobe Poliüretan, we will strive to adapt to these developments. For this reason, every stakeholder we contact in the industry is welcome to reach out to us for any special requests and demands. Our job is to serve them.