WE MADE A BRIEF INTERVIEW WITH THE OWNER OF METEKSAN, WHICH HAS CONTRIBUTED TO SUPPLYING OF NATURAL STONE FOR NUMEROUS ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS ABROAD; GÖKHAN EROĞLU, ON THE NATURAL STONE INDUSTRY.
By Bülent Tatlıcan
How many years has it been that you are in the stone industry?
I have been in the natural stone industry for 15 years.
You are trading natural stone internationally as a member of İMİB. How was 2014 for your firm?
I can start saying that 2014 was better than 2013. The problems experienced at neighboring countries like every industry affected the natural stone sector. However, overall, the effects of the crisis of 2008 are ongoing. The previous growth figures cannot be reached for a while. As Turkish exporters, we work taking v ery dynamic and rapid decisions; and we’re trying to cope with it only in this way. To an extent, we have been successful at this.
How significant is natural stone in the projects of foreign architects?
In prestigious projects, use of natural stone is always opted for. I mean, use of natural stone is a must in project where the visual and details are important. The architects of these projects too know this. Venues, where everything is too stagnant, too lifeless and cold, bothers the human being because of his nature. Natural stone is live. You can observe life in it. It’s warm. You feel comfortable. It matches the nature of the human and also is attractive to the eye.
Compared to past years, how was the use of natural stone in international projects this year according to you?
In terms of square footage, the projects of this year are better than 2012 and 2013. We’re going through hard times around us. Turkish exporters must be acting extremely dynamically not only in natural stone but in all industries; that is, exports as a country are increasing. This makes us very proud.
What are your expectations of the new year?
I hope that the year 2015 is a successful one for our exporters engaged not only in the natural stone industry, but in all sectors.
