Türkiye to establish US$5M Grain and Grain Products Innovation Centre
TÜRKIYE – The Association of Milling and Sector Machinery Manufacturers (DESMÜD) has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a US$5 million Grain and Grain Products Innovation Centre in Ankara’s Sincan district.
This state-of-the-art facility is set to position Türkiye as a global leader in grain and food technologies, driving innovation, training, and research and development (R&D) in the sector.
The project, which will be built on a 4.5-acre plot of land allocated to DESMÜD for 25 years under a protocol with the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, is expected to break ground in 2025 and be completed within three years.
According to Zeki Demirtaşoğlu, DESMÜD President, the facility will host modern R&D laboratories, and comprehensive training programs designed to elevate Türkiye’s grain machinery sector to international standards.
In addition, Demirtaşoğlu noted that that the sector’s exports are expected to increase from US$3.7 billion to US$8 billion within the first decade of the center’s operation. This growth is anticipated to enhance the sector’s economic potential and establish Türkiye as a leading exporter of grain machinery.
A hub for innovation and training
The Grain and Grain Products Innovation Centre will feature next-generation production lines for flour, bread, pasta, biscuits, and chocolate, alongside advanced quality control laboratories and R&D facilities.
It will also include conference and seminar halls, administrative offices, accommodation areas, a hotel, and warehouse sections, making it a fully integrated facility for the sector.
One of the centre’s primary objectives is to address the sector’s skilled labor shortage. Currently, 65% of the 300,000 employees in Türkiye’s grain machinery sector are apprentices, highlighting a critical need for qualified professionals.
To tackle this, the centre will offer internationally accredited training programs in both Turkish and English, led by expert professors and associate professors. Each year, at least 500 participants will receive hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, equipping them with the latest technological advancements in the industry.
Driving R&D in production processes
R&D will be a cornerstone of the centre’s activities, with a focus on developing innovative solutions and integrating new technologies into production processes.
Demirtaşoğlu highlighted that the Quality control laboratories will ensure that production standards meet the highest global benchmarks, while conferences and seminars will provide opportunities for sector professionals to expand their expertise and foster new collaborations.
The centre will also strengthen Türkiye’s international ties by welcoming trainees from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Turkic Republics.
This initiative will allow Türkiye to share its knowledge and experience in grain processing technologies on a global scale, enhancing cultural and commercial interactions while solidifying its leadership in the grain machinery sector.
In addition to its economic and technological contributions, the Grain and Grain Products Innovation Centre will prioritize sustainable production models, environmentally friendly technologies, and energy efficiency.
By modernizing production processes and promoting sustainable practices, the centre will enable domestic producers to compete at world-class standards and set new benchmarks for the industry.
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