ZAHİT ALÜMİNYUM HOSTED GUESTS OF UNİVERSITY

Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University Department of Architecture students organized a technical trip to Zahit Alüminyum, one of the leading companies in the sector. The program took place at Zahit Aluminum's facilities in Adana Hacı Sabancı Organized Industrial Zone. The attendees included faculty members Associate Prof. Dr. Gökhan Uşma, Associate Prof. Dr. Nur Umar, Dr. Nedime Tuba Yusufoğlu, Dr. Tuğçe Pekdoğan, Research Assistant Ali Furkan Urlunç, along with a group of students and Canan Aksu, President of Adana Chamber of Architects.

Zahit Aluminum is leading the sector

In the first part of the organisation, Zahit Balbay, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zahit Aluminium, give a "Welcome" speech to the guests in the Meeting Hall and said that they attach great importance to industry-university cooperation.

Balbay stated, "Founded in a small joinery workshop in 1983, the company has evolved over 41 years to become an integrated facility covering a total area of 60,000 square meters, including 45,000 square meters of enclosed space. Zahit Aluminum is a respected company that leads the sector in the region, which everyone takes pride in. Our company, listed among Turkey's largest industrial establishments, will continue to contribute to the country's development through investments in new technologies, production, exports, and employment."

Responding to participants' questions about the facilities and the sector, Zahit Balbay thanked the faculty members and students at the end of his speech for their visit.

Why Aluminum?

Gültekin emphasized that aluminum, with its superior resistance to oxidation, is widely used across various industries. "Aluminum is particularly preferred in modern building and facade systems. The main reasons for choosing this material include its lightweight nature, durability, and ease of shaping," she explained.

Aluminum Usage Areas

Emphasising that aluminium, which is used in many fields of industry such as architecture, transportation, aviation, construction, electrical-electronics, packaging and food, has an important role in the world economy, Gültekin said that:

‘’Aluminum is used for a wide range of applications in buildings. These include facades for prestigious buildings, pre-formed doors, storefronts and architectural hardware, roof covering products, and windows. Aluminum performs well in industrial and marine atmospheres without any decrease in protection and strength. Anodizing enhances the corrosion resistance, functional, and aesthetic value of aluminum surfaces. This method achieves a broader color scale and a similar appearance to other painted metals. Therefore, it can be comfortably designed for decorative effects as well.’’

Pointing to the activities conducted within the scope of P&D at Zahit Aluminium, Gültekin added that they are constantly working on new product and system designs.

Production Process was explained to students

Bahadır Karaca, who is the R&D Manager at Zahit Aluminum, shared information with the guests about the factory and R&D activities. He highlighted that the company operates in sectors including construction, energy, defense industry, automotive, electrical-electronics, medical, furniture, and advertising, with a product range exceeding 5,000 items compliant with national and international standards. Karaca also mentioned that they export to 35 countries across 4 continents.

Pointing out that they attach great importance to R&D studies, Karaca announced that they established Adana's 3rd R&D Center, approved by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, in 2017 in order to develop innovative products and technologies in the sector.

Afterwards, the guests who visited the facility were briefed about the production process and the technologies used in the factory.  "Certificate of Participation" was presented to the students who participated in the technical trip, which attracted great interest.