The automotive giant has withdrawn from Turkey.

The wave coming from China and the presence of Tesla have put German automotive giants in a challenging period. With the rapid rise of electric vehicles, leading names in the industry are forced to take steps towards restructuring and downsizing. Many global brands, including BMW, are making decisions to close facilities and part ways with employees.

Linde + Wiemann IS WITHDRAWING FROM TURKEY

One of Germany's largest automotive suppliers, Linde + Wiemann, has decided to end its partnership at its production facility in Turkey. According to a report by Dünya Gazetesi, the company is withdrawing from the country by transferring its shares in the jointly owned Linde Opsan Automotive company to the Ersu Family.

THE HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OF OPSAN

Opsan began production in 1963 as one of Turkey's significant automotive supplier firms. The company, which produces sheet metal and welded assembly parts, stood out with its deep-rooted structure in the industry.

THEY HAD MADE A PARTNERSHIP DECISION

In 2010, a partnership agreement was signed between Opsan and Linde + Wiemann, resulting in the establishment of Linde Opsan. Operating in two separate facilities with a total closed area of 25,000 square meters, they were producing 130 million welds and 55 million connection elements annually. The facility, notable for its 475 employees, had started mass production in 2012 with the Ford Tourneo and Ford Transit projects.

BRANDS THEY WORKED WITH

Linde Opsan produced for major brands such as Ford Otosan, TOFAŞ, Stellantis, and Magna, in addition to the domestic vehicle Togg. However, following Linde + Wiemann's decision to withdraw from Turkey, changes in these collaborations are also expected.