About Cluster
The UR-GE Project is a state support program provided by the Ministry of Commerce's General Directorate of Export to increase the export capacities and competitiveness levels of SMEs. In this context, the Sakarya International Machinery and Metal Cluster project, carried out in partnership with the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO) and the Sakarya Machinery Manufacturers Association (SAMIB), aims to carry the strength of our province in the machinery and metal sectors to global markets. SATSO, which operates to develop Sakarya's economic and commercial life, supports businesses in our region and aims to increase their competitiveness in international markets. SAMIB, on the other hand, is an association that supports the development of the machinery manufacturing sector in Sakarya and provides support to its members in various fields. SAMIB works to ensure that firms in the sector produce high-quality products and achieve a strong position in global markets.
More than 1600 businesses operating in Sakarya host the leading brands of our country in the machinery and metal sectors and provide the livelihood of a large part of the province's population.
Why is clustering important? Clustering is the gathering of firms operating in a particular sector geographically to collaborate. This collaboration facilitates the sharing of information and experience among firms, allows them to develop joint R&D projects, and creates joint marketing strategies to increase their competitiveness. Through clustering, firms can reduce their costs, develop innovative solutions, and gain a competitive advantage for larger markets. The clustering project we carry out in the machinery and metal sector will help participating firms increase their production capacities, open up to new markets, and achieve a strong position in global competition. Not only will it enable firms to sign bigger projects together and be more active in international markets, but it will also raise the general quality standards in the sector and promote an innovation culture.
The Sakarya International Machinery and Metal Cluster URGE project will support SATSO's goal of contributing to economic growth by increasing the export capacities of companies in the province. Clustering will enable firms in the province to undertake bigger projects together and be more effective in international markets. In addition, it will improve the quality of the workforce by maintaining the current workforce and creating new employment opportunities. With this project, SATSO will accelerate economic development across the province by increasing the global competitiveness of its members. Moreover, it will facilitate the transportation of products to major markets by using Sakarya's strong logistical advantages more effectively, thereby revitalizing the economic and social life in the region.
The main objectives of our project include providing market diversity in exports for participating companies and raising total quality awareness by increasing production quality. Additionally, it aims to prevent production losses, increase production and continuity, maintain and increase employment in the sector, and spread branding and innovation culture. In line with these goals, each participating company is expected to export to at least 2 new countries, increase their exports to existing markets by 10%, and at least one company is expected to provide additional employment while maintaining the current employment level. These objectives aim to contribute to Sakarya's and Türkiye's export vision.
Our region's proximity to leading industrial cities and active ports, as well as its strong logistical connections, ensures that the products produced can easily reach major markets. This advantage increases our ability to compete in international markets while strengthening our resilience to economic fluctuations.
