With a history dating back to 1978, Toplu Tekstil combines its expertise in narrow weaving, curtain tapes and textile accessories with advanced production technologies and a customer-oriented approach. Offering nearly 1,000 varieties in its curtain tape collection, the company places quality, innovation and sustainability at the center of its operations. We spoke with Orhan Yıldızcan, Chairman of Toplu Tekstil, about the company’s production capabilities, product development processes, quality standards and long-term vision.
Serving to drapery and textiles industry since 1978, Toplu Tekstil has always been progressing to become a better-known brand in international markets. We spoke with company owner Orhan Yıldızcan about the success story of Toplu Tekstil, a company that has made significant progress in technology, production, and service.
To help our readers get to know you better, how would you describe the founding story of Toplu Tekstil and its position in the industry?
I was born in Istanbul in 1969. I was introduced to the textile industry at a very early age and went through a long journey from apprentice to master in the narrow weaving field. I am one of those who are often described as “self-taught professionals.”
From the very first day, I always aimed higher. I have a very curious nature, and throughout my career I continuously tried new things and solved problems without giving up.
The company I became a partner in was originally founded in 1978. In 2006, I joined as a partner, and as of 2012, I acquired all the shares and turned it into a family company together with my son and son-in-law.
You have a wide product range including curtain gathering tapes, rustic extra-for tapes, and vertical blind accessories. When a new product idea emerges, how do your R&D and prototyping processes work?
We manufacture curtain gathering tapes, curtain buckram tapes, and roller blind components for home textiles, as well as narrow woven products for the garment accessories industry. Our production capability ranges from 1 mm up to 200 mm in width. Within our curtain tape group alone, we offer close to 1,000 different varieties.
With our state-of-the-art machinery and experienced technical staff, we provide fast and reliable service without compromising quality. In addition to our own R&D activities, we also support customer-driven requests and developments, maintaining strong cooperation. Customer-focused work and keeping customer satisfaction at the highest level are our top priorities.
The phrase “Think, design, implement” stands out on your website. How do you integrate innovative ideas into your design process? What defines your limits in customer-specific designs?
There is continuous renewal within our existing product range. We are always moving toward better solutions. Our approach is simple: whatever the customer needs, we produce it.
Possesing the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification is very important in terms of environmental and human health. What approach do you follow in your production processes to achieve this? What are your future sustainability goals?
Sustainability and environmentally friendly production are issues we pay particular attention to. Since our products are used in living spaces, all raw materials we use are sourced from suppliers whose materials have passed the required tests. Raw material procurement is an area where we show special sensitivity.
Our own products are certified through tests conducted by authorized institutions. To ensure this awareness continues in the future, we maintain our standards through training programs that also involve our employees.
Trends in home decoration are constantly changing. What are customers looking for most today in curtain, fabric, and accessory choices?
As in every sector, there are trend-driven products in our market as well. Over the past two years, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for wave pleat curtain systems within the industry.
At Toplu Tekstil, you take quality beyond being just a production standard. In your opinion, is “quality production” only about materials, or is it also about brand culture?
It means fully meeting the expectations of both internal and external customers, doing things right the first time, and applying continuous improvement across all areas.
By protecting our standards, we ensure that quality becomes a way of life. In our view, all of these elements must come together. Our core quality policy is:
“Instead of controlling quality, producing quality is our fundamental principle.”
You have held a strong position in the Turkish textile industry for many years. What advice would you give to new players or young entrepreneurs entering the sector?
I am still working with colleagues who joined the company on the very first day, and over time, we have grown together with new team members. As we walk this path, our primary goal has always been customer satisfaction.
It may sound cliché, but my principle has always been: whatever you do, do it with passion. By listening to our customers’ requests and suggestions, and by producing new and high-quality products that ensure their satisfaction, we aim to take our brand one step further.
For young entrepreneurs, I would like to quote Henry Ford:
“Coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success.”
In short, our goal in the sector is always to move forward—with continuity and long-term vision.
