Sheffield Forgemasters signs MOU with Turkish supply chain giant
SHEFFIELD FORGEMASTERS has signed a memorandum of understanding with a major Turkish manufacturer to develop a nuclear readiness scheme.
The agreement will enable Turkey’s Gedik Holdings to learn about the nuclear supply chain, perform a credible gap analysis and develop a strategic plan to ensure they are fully prepared to grasp the opportunities available.
Mark Tomlinson, Sheffield Forgemasters’ group development director, said: “Both Gedik and SFIL recognise that the visionary energy policy of the Turkish government has created outstanding opportunities for Turkish industry to develop a world class nuclear supply chain.
“This supply chain will link local partners to the biggest and best power and engineering projects the world has to offer.
“However, there will be challenges in establishing such supply chain groupings and ensuring that industry can adapt to the specific requirements of the nuclear industry.
“Gedik, SFIL and their industry partners recognise the huge potential in Turkey to benefit not only from the proposed power projects in Akkuyu and Sinop but also from subsequent projects, both in Turkey, the wider MENA region and beyond.”
Part of the agreement will see how both companies can exploit links with the advanced nuclear manufacturing hub in the Sheffield City Region and Gedik University to deliver a comprehensive, credible and value driven programme.
Mr Tomlinson added: “Whilst our core products are large castings and forgings, outside the scope of most Turkish manufacturers, our well-developed quality systems, technical abilities and technology transfer experience make us a perfect partner to learn the necessary skills from to take advantage of the burgeoning nuclear market.”
Gedik Welding is in the field of welding, producing welding consumables and complete welding systems to a wide variety of users.
Dr Mustafa Kocak, chief executive officer from Gedik Holdings, said: “This is a real step forward for our relationship with Sheffield Forgemasters and the experience they bring. Our vision to become a true global welding solutions leader will be significantly enhanced by moving in to the nuclear sector.
“We are already known as the pioneers of new technologies in the domestic market. Now is the time to look at the wider picture.”
As founder members of the UK’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) the company is at the forefront of nuclear technology development, conducting work with several of the leading reactor designers.
