The inauguration ceremony of

’s No. 2 Continuous Casting Machine was held on April 3. The event was attended by

, as well as Karabük Governor

, AK Party Karabük MPs

and

, Karabük Mayor

, Karabük Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman

, AK Party Provincial Chairman

, MHP Provincial Chairman

, and other officials.

, Chairman of the Board of KARDEMİR, was also present at the ceremony, celebrating the company’s 89th anniversary and highlighting the importance of ongoing investments. Following the speeches, Minister Bayraktar met with KARDEMİR employees and shared a meal with them.

Minister Bayraktar emphasized that KARDEMİR is a key institution contributing to Türkiye’s development and has been supporting the national economy for 89 years. He stated:“From now on, the process ahead is even more critical. The crises we are going through show us that Türkiye must be very strong. Türkiye must have a strong industrial and manufacturing base, and a self-sufficient national heavy industry. KARDEMİR is a deeply rooted company, almost as old as the Republic, and one of Türkiye’s most important brands. In the coming century, in the ‘Century of Türkiye,’ it will continue to contribute to our country and strengthen our economy. Together with thousands of employees and the people of Karabük, we will continue to fulfill this special mission.”

Referring to the period that began in 2020 upon the appointment of President

, Bayraktar noted that he developed a special connection with KARDEMİR and Karabük, making significant decisions over two years and eight months. He added, “April 3 is a special day, the founding anniversary of KARDEMİR. When we celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2037, it will be a stronger company, producing higher value-added products, increasing its profitability and employment, and contributing even more to our country.”

The Minister also pointed out that KARDEMİR is one of the few companies in which the

is a shareholder. He highlighted ongoing global crises and regional instability, stressing the importance of self-sufficiency. “We have carried out major efforts to make Türkiye fully independent in energy, implementing domestic and renewable energy resources,” he said.

Touching on developments in the energy sector, Bayraktar stated that Türkiye continues oil and natural gas exploration activities both onshore and offshore, and that drilling operations will soon begin in

. He also emphasized advancements in the defense industry and noted that as KARDEMİR grows, it will contribute further to employment in Karabük and strengthen the national economy.

Chairman

underlined the significance of the 89th anniversary and ongoing investments, stating that strategic investments in high value-added products are continuing. “Following the investments in the new Vacuum Facility and Sizing Block, we are now commissioning our new Continuous Casting Machine. We are proud to have completed this major investment in just 16 months and brought it to KARDEMİR, Karabük, and Türkiye’s industry,” he said.

Oflaz also noted that holding the inauguration on April 3, the company’s founding anniversary, added special meaning to the event. He stated that the investment will serve the goals of the “Century of Türkiye” and extended his thanks to all stakeholders involved. At the end of the ceremony, Minister Bayraktar was awarded the Honorary Presidency title of KARDEMİR.