Amid rising risks in global trade in recent years, which have made long supply chains more fragile, Sun Tekstil has joined among the companies relocating production closer to their export markets. With a 5 million dollar investment, the company aims to strengthen its competitive advantage by shifting its production capacity to Central America. Through the production base to be established, the company targets 25 million dollars in revenue by 2027. The operation, which will initially start with a limited team, is planned to reach a workforce of 120 employees by the end of 2027.
Evaluating the company’s Central America investment, Sun Tekstil Chairperson Elvan Ünlütürk stated that production close to the U.S. market has become a key requirement for competitiveness. Noting that the company has a strong business volume with U.S.-based customers, she explained that this step stems from the need to be physically closer to the market.
She stated that approximately 5 million dollars has been allocated for the first phase of the planned investment, adding that the facility to be established will have an integrated structure combining knitting and dyeing processes.
Highlighting that this investment is controlled in scale but strategically critical, she said, “This is not a major leap for us, but rather a step toward correct positioning.”
“Proximity to the customer is as critical as cost”
Ünlütürk emphasized that regional production offers significant advantages for customers, noting that shorter lead times and reduced logistics risks will increase demand. She added that working with a local workforce will accelerate adaptation to the region: “Production strategies in the global textile industry have changed. U.S. brands, in particular, place greater importance on geographical proximity in their supply chains. High-quality production alone is no longer sufficient. Being close to the customer, ensuring fast delivery, and providing flexibility have become as critical as cost.”
Sun Tekstil’s Central America plan is not limited to fabric production
This investment is positioned as part of Sun Tekstil’s international expansion strategy. However, Ünlütürk underlined that the company’s core focus remains unchanged: “We are a Türkiye-based company and will remain so. This investment is a complementary step to strengthen our position in global competition. Sun Tekstil’s Central America plan is not limited to fabric production. We are also exploring opportunities in the apparel segment and may expand our local production models in the region.”
“Our aim is not to make large-scale investments, but to position ourselves at the right scale in the right location. In doing so, we both serve our customers better and support sustainable growth,” she concluded.