History And Milestones
INVESTMENTS THAT ADDED VALUE TO TURKEY'S ECONOMY AND SOCIETY FROM PAST TO PRESENT
The journey begins
Aksu, the first manufacturing facility of the company that would transform into Akkök Holding over the years, is founded in 1952. In the same year, Ariş is founded also in Bakırköy. In 1953, Dinarsu commences operations in Eyüp. Dinkal A.Ş, starts producing and trading in yarn in the same year as well.
Significant Investments in Industry
In 1968, Aksa Akrilik is founded in Yalova. It commences operations in 1971 and the company exports its first product in 1977. Akmeltem and Ak-Pa are established in 1976. Founded in 1977, Ak-Kim starts producing sulfur dioxide.
Expansion into Energy Industry
Ground is broken for Ak-Al Bozüyük Factory and Akmerkez Etiler Adi Partnership in 1982 and 1985, respectively. Ak-Tops and Aksa Akrilik are founded in 1986. In September 1986, Ak-Al is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange and the Ak-Kim Organic Facilities are opened. Akenerji and Aktem are founded in 1989. The same year, methylamine production begins at Ak-Kim.
Moving into Real Estate Industry
Dinkal, which is restructured in 1990, starts operating as an insurance consulting and agency company. In the same year, Ak-Kim carries out the first dimethylformamide production in Turkey. Aksu is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange in November of the same year.
Akmerkez opens on December 18, 1993. Ak-Kim signed on to the Responsible Care initiative and becomes one of the first companies to implement the program in Turkey.
Akmerkez Lokantacılık opens Paper Moon Istanbul at Akmerkez. In 1996, Akmerkez wins the "World's Best Shopping Center" award in an event held in Las Vegas.
Growing through Innovation
In 1998, Ak-Kim starts production after launching Turkey's first hydrogen peroxide plant. In the same year, Akport opens a Ro-Ro line between Tekirdağ and Trieste. In 1999, Akrom Ak-Al Textile Romania SRL is founded
Exporting Technology
In 2000, Akrom Romania factory starts operations, and in July of the same year, Akenerji shares begin to be listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. In 2000, Aksa Acrylic blazes a new trail in Turkey by starting biological treatment through the deep-tank system, the most efficient water treatment technology in the world at the time. In the same year, Ak-Kim makes its first technology exports.
Investing Abroad
Ground is broken for Aksa Acrylic Egypt in 2003 in Alexandria, Egypt. Aksa Akrilik launches Fitco B.V. for its new investment plans. Aksu becomes the first Turkish company to participate in the Premiere Vision Fair in Paris. In 2004, Akenerji Elektrik Enerjisi İthalat İhracat Toptan Ticaret A.Ş. starts operations.
Growth in Real Estate, Leaps in Energy
In 2005, Dinarsu is sold to the Merinos. In April 2005, Akmerkez is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange and Aksa Akrilik Egypt launches its production operations. Ak-Kim starts producing paper chemicals and Akiş is founded to develop and manage Akkök Holding's real estate investments
In 2006, Ak-Kim commissions Turkey's first sodium percarbonate production facility. Akenerji acquires Akkur Enerji Üretim Ticaret ve Sanayi A.Ş. Paper Moon's Ankara branch opens in September.
Signing the U.N. Global Compact
Ak-Kim and Akkök Holding starts producing concrete additive chemicals and signs the U.N. Global Compact as a demonstration of its commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship.
Aktek is founded and Akiş, in partnership with Garanti Koza and Corio, starts the construction of Akkoza. A protocol is signed for the construction of the Yalova Raif Dinçkök Cultural Center. A book titled "Souvenir of Istanbul: Photographs from the Yıldız Palace Albums" (Yadigar-ı Istanbul) authored by Prof. Dr. Nurhan Atasoy is published with the contributions of Akkök Holding. SAF REIT, an Akkök Holding company, is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange.
Strengthening Bonds with International Partners
AKCEZ, a consortium formed by Akkök, Akenerji, and ČEZ Group, a Czech energy conglomerate, wins the tender of Sakarya Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş. (SEDAŞ).
Aksa Akrilik wins the National Quality Grand Award of the Turkish Society for Quality, and the ground is broken for the Yalova Raif Dinçkök Cultural Center.
A New Living Center
In 2009, Akiş purchases the shares of Garanti Koza and Corio in the Akkoza Project and becomes the sole owner of the Akbatı Shopping Mall and Akbatı Residences. Aksu and Ak-Al merged under the roof of Ak-Al. Akenerji launches the Ayyıldız Wind Power Plant with 15 MW installed power in Bandırma, Balıkesir, and Aksa Akrilik opens its carbon fiber production facility with an annual capacity of 1,500 tons. The Akkök Firefly Mobile Learning Unit project is launched in Yalova.
An Increase in Energy Capacity
Akkök Holding restructures human resources departments across all of its companies
Akenerji commissions Akocak, Bulam, Burç, Uluabat and Feke II hydroelectric power plants. Akenerji purchases the entire installed power capacity (100 MW) of Polat Enerji's wind power plants.
Akport Tekirdağ Port's railway line between Tekirdağ and Muratlı is commissioned.
First Signature for Strategic Cooperation
Aksa Akrilik signs a strategic partnership agreement with Dow Chemicals to produce and market carbon fiber and carbon fiber based products around the world.
Akenerji becomes Turkey's first energy company to be accredited by the Investors in People (IIP). Akenerji becomes one of two energy companies in Turkey to participate in the Carbon Disclosure Project.
Akbatı Shopping Mall, developed Akiş in Esenyurt, Istanbul, opens its doors.
A Turning Point in Carbon Fiber
DowAksa is established.
The Akbatı Residences Project, developed by Akiş in Esenyurt, Istanbul, are delivered to their owners. Akiş becomes a "Real Estate Investment Trust."
Growth in Chemicals and Real Estate
Ak-Tops Tekstil Sanayi A.Ş. merges with Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.Ş.
Ak-Kim founds Akferal. Ak-Kim is registered as an R&D center by the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology.
Aksa Akrilik joins the TURQUALITY® program. DowAksa purchases a division of CarbonWrap that offers carbon fiber composite solutions in the field of infrastructure and building reinforcement.
SEDAŞ unbundles its operations with the establishment of Sepaş Enerji.
Akiş REIT is listed on the Borsa Istanbul Corporate Products Market.
Akasya and the Akasya Residence Projects become's Turkey's first BREEAM-certified projects
First Sustainability Report
Akkök Holding publishes its first GRI-compliant sustainability report.
Aksa Akrilik became Turkey's first and the industry's second company to obtain the Risk Management System Verification Certificate.
Ak-Kim and DowAksa launch a Joint Treatment Plant project. The Reverse Osmosis Project is launched.
DowAksa Advanced Composites Holdings B.V., RUSNANO and Holding Company Composite (HCC) signed joint investment agreements for the Nanotechnology Center of Composites
DowAksa USA is established. Fifty percent of c-m-p gmbh, a German company manufacturing prepregs, is purchased.
Akenerji commissions Erzin Natural Gas Cycle Power Plant.
SEDAŞ commissions the SCADA Project in Kocaeli, Gebze and Sakarya, which allows remote monitoring of electrical energy and responding to power failures in less time.
Akiş REIT's high street retailing business gains momentum.
Akasya Acıbadem Shopping Mall developed by SAF REIT, in which Akiş REIT has a 19.71 percent ownership stake, opens its doors.
Supporting Arts through Mamut Art Project
Akkök Holding assumes the main sponsorship of the Mamut Art Project for the first time in 2015 under its "Investing in the Future" strategy.
The Yalova Composite and Chemistry Specialized Improvement Organized Industrial Zone (YALKIM OSB), whose founding partners are the Acrylic Based Composite, Advanced Material and Technology Manufacturers Association, Yalova Special Provincial Administration, Taşköprü Municipality and Yalova Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is established on July 6, 2015, with the approval of the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology
DowAksa and Ford sign a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to cooperate on the manufacturing of carbon fiber towards affordable and high volume automotive applications.
Ak-Kim purchased 100% shares of Gizem Frit. The ultrafiltration project, one of Ak-Kim's most important investments, was completed.
Gizem Frit, which started the production of the first in 2014, exports its first non-stick coatings and ceramic frits in 2015.
Akenerji completes the project development and engineering research for the Kemah Hydroelectric Power Plant. Akenerji becomes the first Turkish company to report under the CDP Turkey Water Program. SEDAŞ completes the SCADA project by at the end of 2015. Sepaş Enerji blazes a new trail in the industry by beginning to sell electricity on its website.
Akiş REIT launches the Life Academy project.
Throughout 2015, Aktek develops many value-added projects approved by Yıldız Technical University's Teknopark management, and creates an in-house concept Aktek Garage, defining its innovation vision in a constructive way within and outside the company.
A Peak Year in Corporate Management
Aksa Akrilik receives the “Company with the Highest Corporate Governance Rating” award at the Corporate Management Awards organized annually by the Corporate Governance Association of Turkey. Aksa Akrilik aims to add a new vision to acrylic fiber through its new brands: Acryluna, Acrysole, Acryterna and Acrylusion.
The Global Composite Center in Yalova, financed under the IPEK Project jointly conducted by Turkish Aerospace Industries and DowAksa, and supported by Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, starts operations. Ak-Kim joins the TURQUALITY® program, Turkey's most prestigious and comprehensive incentive program.
Akenerji becomes the first company to carry out an online energy power tender in Turkey. Akenerji becomes the only company in Turkey to participate in the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) Turkey 2016 Water Program. Sepaş Enerji launches SAP IS-U-CRM Project, to enable all systems to be restructured and managed with a technological infrastructure to offer the best experience to its customers.
Akapartman Suadiye apartments, a new brand of Akiş REIT, are offered for sale. Akasya Arts and Culture Center opens its doors in June.
Foreign Company Acquisitions
The Corporate Governance Rating of Aksa is upgraded to 9.63 following its evaluation according to the Capital Markets Board (CMB) Corporate Governance Principles and the company receives the grand prize after being chosen the “Company with the Highest Corporate Governance Rating” in the BIST Corporate Governance Index for two years in a row.
DowAksa signs a long-term supply agreement with Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the world's largest wind turbine company.
Ak-Kim acquires Dinox. Akferal becomes a full subsidiary Ak-Kim after Ak-Kim's purchasing of its remaining shares from Feralco.
In 2017, Gizem Frit acquired Megacolor, one of Spain's top ceramic pigment and inkjet manufacturers
The total installed power reaches 28.2 MW with the commissioning of the 13.2 MW additional capacity of Akenerji's Ayyıldız Wind Power Plant.
SEDAŞ receives the R&D achievement award with the EPDK-Approved Project of Remote Reading of Power Meters at the Third Annual R&D in Energy Workshop. SEDAŞ tops the corporate tax champions list in Sakarya.
Akiş REIT becomes a major player in the real estate development industry following its merger with SAF REIT, officially registered on January 18, 2017.
Supporting Arts through Mamut Art Project
2018 Aksa Akrilik raised its Corporate Governance Rating from 9.63 to 9.70 in the assessment made by the independent corporate rating company Saha. Securing the top spot again this year, it has acquired the grand prize for three consecutive years. In 2018, Akiş REIT sold 7.36% of its shares to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), gaining an internationally valuable stakeholder. By realizing a foreign investment for the first time, it became a partner in a housing project developed in London. Gizem Frit received a R&D center certificate.
A Peak Year in Corporate Management
Aksa Acrylic has been shown among the companies that have been contributing to the development of the chemical industry for more than 50 years by The Chemical Manufacturers Association of Turkey (TKSD) and has been awarded with the “50th year” plaque. This year as well, Aksa Acrylic emerged in the upper row of Turkey’s Top 500 Industrial Organizations list. It ranked 41st in the ISO 500 list known as the “Giants League”. The Company received the second prize by raising its Corporate Governance Rating from 9.70 to 9.72. The production capacity of Aksa was determined as 330,000 tons/year as a result of the efforts to create the optimum production track.
Akiş REIT successfully completed the issuance of TL100 million nominal, 2-year maturity, variable interest bonds. The Corporate Governance Rating of Akiş REIT has been determined as 9.62. Akiş REIT has completed the necessary applications to join the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, with over 9,500 companies and more than 3,000 non-company members in over 60 countries. Akiş REIT was accredited by the TÜV Thüringen e.V. (German Accreditation Agency - DAkkS) and received the ISO 27001: 2013 Information Security Management System Certificate.
At The One Awards that are awarded to companies that have raised their reputation the most every year, Akenerji added one star to its award as the recipient of the first prize for the second time in a row. The ISO 9001: 2015 Quality, ISO 14001: 2015 Environmental Management Systems recertification audits for Akenerji Head Office, Ayyıldız WPP, Uluabat HEPP, Burç HEPP, Bulam HEPP, Feke I HEPP, Feke II HEPP, Himmetli HEPP, Gökkaya HEPP and Erzin NGCCPP were performed successfully and documents were renewed. According to the ISO 45001: 2018 Occupational Health and Safety standard, which replaces the OHSAS 18001: 2007 Occupational Health and Safety standard, the General Directorate and all power plants are documented and Akenerji became one of the first companies to implement the ISO 45001: 2018 standard. The continuity of the ISO 27001: 2013 Information Security Management Systems documents was affirmed. The ISO 50001: 2018 Energy Management System practices started in all plants. In this context, by determining the energy consumption and evaluating the performance, targets were set to reduce consumption and make improvements.
Having achieved R&D success in cost reduction projects, DowAksa has strengthened its supply network in 2018 and 2019 by adding alternative local suppliers to the supply chain.
Gizemfrit continued to be on the Fortune 500 (Turkey) and ISO 500 lists in 2019. Also, as it has been in the last 11 years, it ranked first once again with its exports figure this year in the “Paint, Varnish and Inks” category at the “Star of Export” awards organized by the Association of Istanbul Chemical Products and Goods Exporters. Gizemfrit continued to invest in human resources in 2019 as well. In order to enhance the qualifications and skills of its employees, it established the Gizemfrit Academy in partnership with Sabancı University and cultivated a sustainable education model within its own organization.
SEDAŞ, by signing the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) within the scope of “Forget the Gender” Project, which it has carried out in terms of gender equality and equal opportunities and gained momentum in 2019, has committed its resolution and support in this regard.
Paper Moon Istanbul, was awarded the “Diploma of Good Cuisine” prize in September 2019 issued by the “Accadimia Italiana Della Cucina” established for the development of cultural and trade relations in the areas of gastro-economy and gastro-tourism between Italy and Turkey.
Supporting Arts through Mamut Art Project
A Peak Year in Corporate Management
Akkök Holding and its Group Companies ARD Holding A.Ş. and NDÇ Holding A.Ş. buy 51% of Epsilon Kompozit Teknoloji ve Savunma Sanayi A.Ş. This company produces, assembles, sells and exports high-tech composite components and parts for various sectors, especially aviation, and carries out research and development activities in these areas.
Aksa Akrilik undersigned a yarn factory investment in order to set a model for the sector in its 50th year of production. A new facility of 20,000 square meters is commissioned for Aksafil, which will produce for sectors such as knitwear, active wear, technical textiles and hand knitting.
Aksa Akrilik announces three more high-tech brands to the world.
The success of Aksa Akrilik, which it has achieved with its corporate management approach, is registered once again. At the “11th Corporate Governance Awards”, organized by the Corporate Governance Association of Turkey, it receives the title of “The second Company with the Highest Corporate Governance Rating” and has its name written on the award for the 6th time.
The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) ranks companies that use foreign currency loans of TL 500 million or more. After the evaluation made by JCR Eurasia, Aksa Akrilik’s credit rating is announced as “AA Stable”.
Akenerji becomes the first Turkish company to register on the European Energy Exchange, Europe’s largest energy exchange.
Paper Moon opens its doors for those who want to have a special dining experience at Akfen Bodrum Loft in Göltürkbükü during the summer season. While bringing the fine dining service concept that does not compromise on quality with its classic menu to Bodrum, Paper Moon also offers a “comfort food” concept with the “Paper Moon Bodrum Loft by the Beach” menu all day, highlighting seasonal, daily, fresh and local flavors.
As a result of its efforts in 2021, Akiş REIT is entitled to be the only Real Estate Investment Trust to be included in the Borsa Istanbul Sustainability Index as of the beginning of 2022.
Akiş REIT’s Corporate Governance Rating rose to 96.33 in 2021. Akiş REIT once again proves its difference in corporateness and transparency by having the highest Corporate Governance Rating among companies operating in the real estate sector in Turkey.
Akasya and Akbatı shopping centers are certified in accordance with DAKKS German Accreditation for integrated “ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety” and “ISO 14001 Environmental Management System”.
Akasya and Akbatı shopping centers receive the I-REC International Renewable Energy Certificate issued by IRECS International in order to promote renewable energy investment and use.
Ak-Kim Kimya’s corporate name was changed and registered as Akkim Kimya San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
A share transfer agreement is signed with USK Kimya and the merger process is completed within Akkim Kimya.
Akkim Kimya’s 2018-2019 Sustainability Report is deemed worthy of the Platinum Award by LACP (League of American Communications Professionals LLC).
Akkim Kimya ranks 120th in the Turkishtime R&D 250 Research, becoming the 21st company that carries out the most projects and the 50th company that has received the most patents.
Akkim Silicon Chemistry company is established within Akkim Kimya.
In 2021, Ak-Pa realizes the record export of its history with a group export of USD 452 million, thanks to the changing world conditions after the pandemic and the advantage of Turkey’s logistics location.
Akkök Holding and energy group companies start a new project called “Women’s Energy”. The Women’s Energy project, which includes various trainings, conversations and workshops, mentoring, internship and scholarship opportunities, is implemented simultaneously by Akenerji, SEDAŞ and Sepaş Enerji. The target audience of the project, which aims to raise female employment in the energy sector and to support female employees in their career journeys, is secondary school, high school and university students, as well as women working in the energy sector.
Supporting Arts through Mamut Art Project
Akkök Holding in cooperation with Beşiktaş Municipality, implemented the public space transformation project on the German Creek walking track.
Dinkal Sigorta Acenteliği A.Ş. was deemed worthy of the “Most Insurtech Agency” award as a result of the evaluations of the jury consisting of influential and distinguished names of the sector within the scope of “Turkey Insurtech Awards 2022”. With its customer experience management project “İKİGAİ”, SEDAŞ received the “Most Commendable” Award in the “Best Customer Experience” category at the “Turkey Communication Center Awards 2022” organized by IMI Conferences.
Akkim laid the foundation of Turkey’s first Epoxy Resin Production Facility with an investment budget of USD 100 million.
Akkim received the A-Excellent Level Sustainability certificate in its ESG (Environmental, Social, Corporate Governance) performance in the Fortune Turkey-CRIF Synergy sustainability research.
The foundation of the new integrated production facility to be established by DowAksa in Yalova was laid.
DowAksa was deemed worthy of an award in the “Investment” category at the “IAmChamPion Awards” organized by the American Companies Association (AmCham Turkey).
Aksa Akrilik started the investment process to expnd production to 355,000 tons/year by adding 2 production lines to its 330,000 tons/year production capacity.
Akiş REIT received the ISO9001 Quality Management System certificate.
Akiş REIT received a Management Level B rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which it reported for the first time.
Akiş REIT became the only REIT listed on the Borsa Istanbul Sustainability Index in 2022.
Akcoat implemented the Wildlife Rescue project for the conservation and scientific development of wildlife.
Akcoat was entitled to receive the Basic Level Zero Waste Certificate from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
Akcoat completed its carbon and water footprint measurements and published its first sustainability report.
Akkök R&D Summit was hosted by Akcoat R&D center for the first time in a 2-day event where the R&D teams of Akcoat, Aksa Akrilik, Akkim, Dowaksa and Epsilon Kompozit and Akkök Holding senior management came together.
Akcoat received 2 awards in the Alfe De Oro “innovation” category and Liderpack in the “best logistics and distribution packaging” category for its innovative and sustainable packaging system for Lessbox inkjet ceramic printing inks.
In 2022, Ak-Pa realized the record export of its history with USD 629 million group exports, thanks to the changing world conditions after the pandemic and the advantage of Turkey’s geographical-logistics location.