Süleyman Sırrı Öner
Fosroc Construction Chemicals CAD Sales Director – MENAT (Middle East/North Africa/Türkiye)
The cement industry seeks alternative products to minimize energy requirements. “Calcine Clay” developed for this purpose is just one of these alternative products. Fosroc has been invited to numerous projects seeking alternative solutions and has actively participated by leveraging its expertise and advanced technology products. One of the projects I am currently engaged in focuses on the utilization of Graphene in the cement industry, which is our latest endeavor.
Could you briefly tell us about the structuring and activities of Fosroc in Türkiye, one of the world’s most important brands in the field of construction chemicals?
The foundations of the Fosroc brand were laid 80 years ago in England. Fosroc’s extensive product range for the construction industry has established it as a leading brand favored by construction companies. We cater to our customers across various segments through our production facilities situated in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, North, South, and East Asia, as well as through our dedicated representatives in numerous countries.
Fosroc always attaches importance to growth opportunities. To better serve its customers in the Middle East market and expand its operations, Fosroc acquired Idea in 2016, a chemical sales and marketing company in Türkiye. In 2018, following investments in the Mersin Factory and Gebze OIZ, Fosroc began manufacturing liquid products alongside its existing range of construction chemical products. Fosroc is committed to being a solution partner for its customers, actively developing products that meet evolving sector needs, and implementing strategic initiatives to further this goal.
Fosroc is an 80-year-old brand operating in different parts of the world. Which geography are you strongest in?
Fosroc has a long-standing history of operations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its wide supply chain structure has enabled Fosroc to produce sustainable and permanent solutions in the markets in which it operates. Moreover, leveraging Türkiye’s strategic location, Fosroc has effectively accessed the market data it deserves in the Middle East market.
You have a wide brand portfolio that includes many different product groups. Which are your standout products in the cement industry?
Our main goal is to create groundbreaking and innovative products and solutions that significantly influence the cement industry. At this point, we prioritize the significance of global warming and its impacts. Especially, our AURACEM series products are designed to reduce carbon emissions.
Will you have new products for the coming period? Will you have new products that comply with zero carbon targets, especially in the cement industry?
Fosroc dedicates a significant portion of its resources to R&D investments and establishes substantial collaborations with universities. I mentioned that our objective is to develop pioneering and innovative products and solutions that influence the cement industry. We intend to establish a “Technology Excellence Center” at our Gebze Factory this year and have it operational by the end of 2024. The aim of this center will be to develop performance products that prioritize environmental awareness, enhance efficiency, and facilitate the integration of alternative cement types into the industry.
What is the general situation and position of the Turkish market in terms of construction chemicals?
Türkiye experienced a somber year due to the earthquakes that occurred in 2023, profoundly affecting us all. The building stock in most parts of our country is old. Hence, the construction chemicals industry requires products characterized by high durability and compliance with regulations. Moreover, it is imperative to provide environmentally friendly products that are harmonious with nature for the benefit of future generations. The recent surge in the number of manufacturers is causing significant concern within the sector. Fosroc effectively fulfills its responsibilities in its operations, adhering to regulations and directives.
What are your general opinions about the decarbonization processes on the agenda of the cement industry? How is the construction chemicals industry preparing for this change?
The cement industry has established a clear roadmap for “Decarbonization” and is steadfastly advancing towards its goals. To achieve this goal, the primary focus is on significantly increasing the production and utilization of blended cements in the initial phase. Efforts to diminish the proportion of clinker in cement content are anticipated to introduce new types of cement into the industry.
Fosroc continues to provide successful solutions appreciated by the industry with its AURACEM Series products, which are designed to support the cement industry. We prioritize our role as a solution partner to the cement industry with our experienced team.
Construction chemicals play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of cement. What kind of R&D process do you follow to increase the functionality of your products?
The performance parameters of our products, tailored to meet the needs of our customers, are determined in state-of-the-art laboratories. However, relying solely on laboratory-scale assessments often limits our perspective to a single dimension. The product’s performance on an industrial scale and the dynamic performance parameters throughout the process unveil the main characteristics of the product. We use key parameters obtained from both laboratory and industrial scales to create the functionality of the product. Furthermore, potential additional demands and suggestions from our customers provide valuable insights into enhancing the functionality of our products.
Our main goal is to create groundbreaking and innovative products and solutions that significantly influence the cement industry. At this point, we prioritize the significance of global warming and its impacts. Especially, our AURACEM series products are designed to reduce carbon emissions.
Where do you think the cement industry will evolve in the future? Where will you take part in this change?
Cement has evolved alongside numerous changes since 1824, persistently advancing in production and application to the present day. It will continue to be used in the future until an alternative is found.
The cement industry seeks alternative products to minimize energy requirements. “Calcine Clay” developed for this purpose is just one of these alternative products. Fosroc has been invited to numerous projects seeking alternative solutions and has actively participated by leveraging its expertise and advanced technology products. One of the projects I am currently engaged in focuses on the utilization of Graphene in the cement industry, which is our latest endeavor.
Fosroc was invited to participate in this project, which was supported by the British government, and provided support with its specially developed series contributions.
You provide service to your customers with a structure that does not only consist of product sales and technical support, but also extends from the procurement process to training. What services do you offer at this point?
Fosroc strives to offer all necessary support to its customers to enhance service quality. Our expert team offers support to our stakeholders on all necessary issues within the system.
Could you tell us about your goals and general strategies for the next period?
Our objective is to produce and introduce innovative, advanced technology, and pioneering solutions to meet the demands of the construction industry. Our strategy to accomplish this objective is to establish and continually enhance systems capable of producing these solutions.
