Founded in Istanbul in 1989 under the name “Akdemir Ticaret”, Rhofa Group has nearly 34 years of commercial know-how and experience. It makes a satisfying difference in the construction chemicals, electric and gasoline hand tools, lighting and finally solar energy sectors. The ever-growing group exports to 120 countries on 5 continents, including Turkey, China, Italy and Canada. It continues to realize and implement its operations and activities by establishing local collaborations that affect the wide areas in which it operates. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Group is Hazreti Akdemir from Malatya…
Innovation, R&D production and development… Can you tell us about Rhofa Group? We started our business life in a modest way in Istanbul Tahtakale in 1989 with the title of Akdemir Ticaret. Today, we continue as Rhofa Group, which is present in many countries in Turkey and abroad, exports to over 100 countries on 5 continents, and operates in the energy, construction chemicals, electrical and gasoline hand tools, lighting and construction sectors. Our success, which we believe will multiply, is based on our experience and knowledge, as well as our R&D efforts to develop solutions to the needs of consumers and our investment in our colleagues. Innovation, R&D, production and development… All of these are possible with a quality team and business partnerships established with the right people. As Rhofa Group, we will make new investments in the coming period in the sectors where we are involved and where we see opportunities. We will continue to grow, produce and create employment.
In order to maintain our competitive advantage, we continuously invest in talented human resources, R&D, innovation, marketing and production technology. I believe that Turkish products are at least as good as imported products, if not better.
We have hundreds of product diversity
In which product groups do you offer services as Rhofa Group?
As Rhofa Group; we have hundreds of product types in 6 main categories: building-construction, furniture, marine vehicles, technical industry and automotive maintenance and repair sector. We aim to expand our export volume and increase our contribution to the national economy to a higher level. Our goal is to offer competitive new opportunities and meaningful business experiences for our customers in every market we operate in. To achieve this, we constantly monitor the rapid changes in world markets. We continuously invest in talented human resources, R&D, innovation, marketing and production technology to maintain our competitive advantage. I believe that Turkish products are at least as good as imported products, if not better. We, the producers, have an important role to play in strengthening the “Made in Turkey” brand. We need to spend more time and effort on this issue in our work at home and abroad.
We must be different and ahead in every field
What is the secret to keeping up with the times?
Technology and the accompanying change are transforming industries very fast. Institutions and organizations that cannot keep up with this pace are disappearing from the stage of history. In this new era where consumers’ purchasing values and behaviors change every day, we have no choice but to use time effectively. Competition is now more destructive and fierce. We must prepare ourselves for this. In the new era, there is no room for those who cannot be faster, better, more appropriate and different. We are focused on creating new opportunities and meaningful experiences. We are in constant development and change. We will spread innovation to all our business processes. We are looking for new ways to act more effectively not only in R&D and production, but also in sales, marketing, finance, logistics, purchasing, cost control, time management, customer service and all other areas. We strive to be different and ahead in every field.
We need qualified people
Do you need the energy, curiosity and innovative approaches of young people for a strong Turkey?
Yes… We expect a lot from them. For a strong Turkey, we need more qualified people. We must be a country that produces science and translates it into value-added results. Young people should be passionate about their work. They can produce meaningful results by combining the theoretical knowledge they acquire at university with practice. They should be assertive and not hesitate to demand information and jobs. As Rhofa Group, we try to provide internship and job opportunities as much as possible to students who believe in themselves and have the desire to achieve something. Taking these efforts one step further, we have established an academy that supports the development of both our colleagues and other social and economic stakeholders.
We produce solar panels at international standards
Can you tell us about your company Rhofa Energy, which produces solar panels with domestic and national technologies in Tekirdağ / Çerkezköy Organized Industrial Zone?
Rhofa Energy produces solar panels in accordance with international standards in its integrated facility. The company, one of the Rhofa Group subsidiaries with nearly half a century of commercial experience and established in 2020, promises “Clean Energy for Everyone” with its highly efficient photovoltaic (PV) panels. Rhofa Energy, which supports obtaining renewable energy from a natural source, will increase its current capacity, which can generate 350 MW of installed power per year, to 700 MW with new investments in 2023. This means doubling the production of approximately 550 thousand PV panels. The growth of these figures paves the way to contribute more to the national economy, employment, regional and local development, and nature. The products developed within Rhofa Energy are checked in detail by all leading test organizations, including ISO, CE, TUV and IEC, and certified after this process.
We are signing different solutions
Could you clarify the solutions of Rhofa Energy, which always focuses on innovation and R&D projects?
Rhofa Energy offers a wide range of different solutions with PV modules. It uses the latest technologies in automation systems. While the installation is carried out by engineers who have made a name for themselves with their achievements in the global arena, specialized personnel come into play at the next stage. We offer trouble-free service with product diversity (glass-glass, glass-back surface), superior quality standards, double-sided half-cut cells with Multi Busbar technology, 10-year product warranty, 30-year linear energy performance, EPC (engineering, procurement, installation) and after-sales team. In the coming period, initiatives on “cell” technology, which is the building block of the solar panel, will be among our main topics.
As Rhofa Group, we try to provide internship and job opportunities as much as possible to students who believe in themselves and have the desire to achieve something.
Our network instills courage
How do you take advantage of our deep-rooted industrial experience?
Our Group’s network instills courage for the investments under the roof of Rhofa Energy. In addition to our global contracting and project development skills, we also have extensive, sustainable commercial relationships at home. Our existing infrastructure will add to our strength. Our flexible structure and deepening in production are also among our prominent values… Our country is a “Solar Paradise”. Turkey will become the biggest center in the sector after China. At this point, as Rhofa Energy, we provide unlimited assurance in after-sales service with our solar panels. We are very sensitive about feedback and quality. Our products undergo various tests in all geographies. We can make modifications according to all climatic conditions, even at -50, +50 degrees of temperature.
A sustainable and livable world
Can you give information about your product range?
Rhofa Energy, which closely follows the economic developments and trends in the world, plans to add new ones to its sustainable products with its constantly developing dynamic structure. Following the Solar Power Plant (SPP) business line, investments in Wind Power Plant (WPP) will also be accelerated. With the motto “A Sustainable and Livable World”, our company is also zeroing carbon emissions from production. In addition, the steps taken to indigenize resources contribute to reducing Turkey’s current account deficit and strengthening Turkey’s hand in the markets through the production of strategic products.
‘We are a people-oriented company’
Can we call Rhofa Energy an “environmentally friendly company”?
We realized the value of the universe we live in much better during the pandemic process. Although the world’s population is increasing day by day, its surface area is the same. The answer to the question “What kind of world do we want to leave to future generations?” is very important. Environmental issues should also be discussed in the selection of land for solar power plants. I regret to say that I have seen that the developed countries of Europe do not observe this sensitivity when investing in SPPs in less developed countries. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is extremely sensitive in this regard; however, rules alone are of course not enough. This is ultimately a human factor, there should be awareness in the society. There are definitely some objections to the installation of the panels. It should be noted how much of this is done consciously and with guidance. As Rhofa Energy, we cannot be in any project that does not glorify and add value to human beings. Our starting point and goal is to be a “people-oriented company”.
