SB meets… Dr Abdullah Gayret, GCA

What does it take to operate a successful glass manufacturing business? The general manager of GCA, an affiliate of Gürok Group, explains.

How long have you been the general manager of GCA?

I have worked in many different positions within Gürok Group for 24 years. In 2014, I was appointed the general manager of GCA, our glass container manufacturing business, where I took part in many new investment projects. We work on new production lines and furnace additions every few years. Nothing is routine; we are constantly researching new investment opportunities, new businesses, new areas.

What do you find most exciting about your current role?

These glass containers, in the form of glass bottles and jars, touch the lives of millions of people every day. Our ability to work with brands from the very beginning to the end of projects in close cooperation ensures that this packaging is designed and produced in the best way possible.

What are the key challenges you face?

The glass packaging industry is a complex industry that has to deal with many complex parameters. Especially in recent years, the situation has become even more difficult due to the general decrease in consumption in the markets. Environmental factors have also increased competition in the sector. Additionally, digitalisation and rapid advances in technology have called into question the ability of companies in the glass packaging industry to keep up with these changes. Businesses that fall behind digital transformation may lose their competitive advantage. As a result, industry leaders must work on strategies to overcome these challenges by focusing on digital innovations, sustainability, and data analysis. This is important for the future success of the industry.

What is the company goal for GCA?

Glass packaging consumption per capita in our country, Turkey, is behind Europe and America. However, Turkey has world-class glass producers and I think all players should act with the aim of developing the market. We believe all companies in the sector should act responsibly to increase the usage volume of glass packaging at home and abroad. The EKOMAT recycling project, which we have been carrying out in cooperation with our business partners, is an example of this. At GCA, we want to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the industry with the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. In line with our sustainability goals, we will continue our efforts to reduce energy, raw material, and water consumption. Accordingly, we plan to increase the use of renewable energy resources and increase the use of recycled glass in the upcoming period. Our goal is to grow in the glass packaging sector, especially in the spirits segment with our premium glass bottles and designs. In order to achieve this, we strive to ensure our internal and external partners’ continuous satisfaction and being preferentially selected by them through the trust we build.

What are the secrets to a successful business?

The road to success is shaped by teamwork. I always see myself as an important part of a team. Planning and organisation are essential for me. No matter which team I work with, generating new ideas, motivating people, setting new goals and creating plans to achieve these goals excites me. Innovation and difference are of great importance to me. Trying untried things, doing something that hasn’t been done, or considering something that has been done from a different perspective makes my job more interesting. I enjoy bringing together different ideas and putting my signature under new and impressive projects.