BR Interview | Romania, a key production hub for Beko in Europe

Murat Büyükerk, the CEO of Beko Romania, shared with Business Review the company’s vision for driving sustainability and economic growth in Romania. He discussed the transformative journey Beko Romania is undertaking to solidify its position on the home appliances market, both locally and globally, as part of the parent company’s process to unify all operations under the single corporate brand.

By Anda Sebesi

What is Beko Romania’s strategic approach to enhancing its local presence, further boosting the appliances sector, and stimulating the country’s economic growth?

Following our corporate rebranding, Beko Romania has been on a transformative journey to strengthen its position on the home appliances market. This strategic step forward aims to unlock significant growth and development opportunities on a complex and competitive market.

Read more about

Nadia Comaneci saves Olympic Flame during Grand Opening on the Seine River in Paris

read more

I am deeply honoured to lead Beko Romania through this meaningful transitional period. As we continue to expand and enhance our production capabilities, we are proud to showcase Romania’s potential on the global stage. Being part of this journey is both a privilege and a responsibility. My years in Romania have deeply connected me to this vibrant country and witnessing its continuous evolution fuels my desire to inspire others to join in our common goal of creating a shared sense of purpose and mission. This transformation represents an important milestone in my ongoing dedication to promoting Romania’s manufacturing sector while nurturing sustainable living and economic long-term capabilities. We have invested in our local business over EUR 390 millions, significantly increasing our production capacity for Ulmi and Gaesti factories, pioneering new technologies, and implementing cutting-edge management systems. These substantial investments underscore our deep-rooted belief in Romania’s potential to become a leading hub for household appliance production. Currently, more than 84% of our total production goes to export, reaching over 80 countries, proudly promoting the Made-In-Romania values of quality, innovation, and sustainability. This extensive export network highlights the global trust in our products and significantly contributes to Romania’s economic growth. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our products meet the highest standards and that every initiative and innovation we undertake further strengthens Romania’s manufacturing landscape. As the leader of the local home appliance market, our impact in Romania goes beyond business operations. We are a strategic employer in Dambovita, dedicated to fostering community growth and contributing to the local economy. We are determined to ensure that Beko Romania remains an essential player in economic and industrial advancement, driving sustainable growth and setting new industry benchmarks.You have brought and implemented a new perspective on sustainability in Romania.

How is it influencing the local ecosystem?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Beko Romania. I am proud that my team and I have placed Romania on the global map of sustainable manufacturing through our Industry 4.0 factory in Ulmi. The cutting-edge technology makes it flagship for the efficient use of energy, materials, and resources, and it is recognised as one of the world’s greenest Industry 4.0 factories in the world, earning the prestigious Sustainability Lighthouse status from the World Economic Forum. Placing us among an elite group of factories worldwide, it showcases our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. For us, sustainability extends beyond reducing carbon emissions. It is a core purpose that involves taking responsibility in key areas such as community involvement and sustainability education. Through these initiatives, we have inspired people to adopt responsible consumption behaviours, furthering our mission to create a positive impact on both the environment and society.

How do you see the local economy and Romania in general, especially after the growth of the last 10-15 years?

I first came to Romania over twenty years ago, witnessing its remarkable economic transformation. Since I was appointed CEO at Beko Romania in 2018, I’ve seen robust growth marked by increased foreign direct investment, a promising technology sector, and rising local enterprises. I have every reason to be optimistic about Romania’s future. Looking forward, a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and continuous innovation will be of major impact in driving this positive trajectory and realising the full potential of the Romanian economy.