HEXPOL has expanded its global footprint by acquiring 80% of Symplast A.Ş., an Izmir-based leader in specialized thermoplastic elastomer compounds. Known for delivering high-value, custom solutions to the automotive, construction, consumer, and electronics sectors, Symplast's integration strengthens HEXPOL’s thermoplastic compounding platform and accelerates its growth in the Turkish market.

Four founding shareholders—Selahattin Dülger, Ali Rıza Kır, Yaşar Kurtuluş, and Fahri Tolga Sarıkahya—have agreed to sell Symplast, the premier thermoplastic elastomer compounder in Turkey. Since its launch in 2013 by a group of veteran plastics experts, the company has established itself as an industry leader.

Fahri Tolga Sarıkahya and Ali Rıza Kır will remain at the helm of Symplast, which will operate as a subsidiary under the HEXPOL Thermoplastic Compounding division. Headquartered in İzmir, Turkey, the company houses its main manufacturing plant and R&D center there, with additional operations including a semi-finished materials facility in Poti, Georgia, and a German sales office. Notably, the İzmir site possesses significant unused capacity, allowing for seamless future expansion within its current boundaries.

Symplast generates roughly MEUR 34 in sales and employs 135 people. The company offers a diverse product portfolio serving the automotive, construction, consumer goods, and electronics industries. Supported by robust in-house R&D and laboratory facilities, Symplast specializes in creating customized formulations tailored to specific customer needs.

“The acquisition of Symplast is another important step in executing the growth strategy for our Thermoplastic Compounding business area. Symplast gives HEXPOL a strong position in Turkey, an attractive and strategically located manufacturing market with a well-developed automotive and construction industry,” says Henrik Elmin CEO and President of HEXPOL.

“Symplast brings strong formulation and application expertise, modern production capabilities and an entrepreneurial organization with a clear focus on customer service. The company is highly complementary to our existing thermoplastic operations and provides an attractive platform for continued growth, both in Turkey and in export markets,” concludes Jan Wikström, President business area HEXPOL Thermoplastic Compounding.

“We are very pleased to have found a long-term industrial owner that shares our commitment to product quality, technical expertise and close customer relationships,” says Selahattin Dülger, Chairman of the Board and one of the founders of Symplast.

“HEXPOL has demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and a clear ambition to invest in its continued development. Becoming part of HEXPOL will give Symplast access to broader technical capabilities, an international customer base and the resources required to accelerate its growth, while preserving the entrepreneurial culture on which the company has been built,” concludes Selahattin Dülger.