KAYSERI- We have interviewed Berna İlter, General Manager of BRN Sleep Products.
She focused on the activities of the Company, headquartered in Kayseri. “To sum up, BNR has been specialized in a full line of products, ranging from premium bedding to quality sets with inner spring mattresses, and memory foam and latex mattresses with full health benefits, hand crafted mattresses with all natural fillings and frame beds coupled with full comfort.” She pointed out. “ As known, BNR was awarded by Ruban D’Honneur enterprise for Innovation, Excellence and Best Practice within the framework of European Business Award. The Company was also awarded as Fast Growth 25 –being the fastest growing company in Turkey by All World Network organized by Harvard University and The Union of Chambers of Turkey.” Berna İlter disclosed. As for the manufacturing range of the Company, Berna İlter noted that BNR turned out to be competitive in terms of price and quality both in domestic and foreign markets. “The Company is determined to upgrade its dynamic performance. Having 11 outlet centers scatted over Turkey, BNR aims at increasing its countries to which it exports to 90 in 2015.” She added. According to Berna İlter, BRN has become Turkey’s first sanitation certificated mattress producer which complies with OEKO-TEX standards. She also furnished information on the OEKO-TEX. The OEKO-TEX Standard is an independent test and certification system for textile raw, intermediate and end products at all stages of processing. Examples of articles that can be certified: yarns, fabrics, treated fabrics, manufactured articles (clothing of all kinds, domestic and household textiles, bedding, towels, soft toys and many more.) The OEKO-TEX testing for harmful substances is always geared to – wards how the textile will actually be used. The more closely the product is in contact with the skin, the stricter the human ecology requirements that it must meet. Meanwhile, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and The Abraaj Group, a global investor in growth markets, support the expansion of Turkish mattress and sleep product manufacturer BRN Sleep Products by acquiring a minority stake in the company.The EBRD and Abraaj, through its Anatolia Growth Capital Fund, have made a joint equity investment in the firm, BNR founded by Mustafa İlter and Berna İlter. Berna İlter, General Manager of BRN Sleep Products, said: “We have experienced strong growth since our establishment nine years ago. In order for us to reach the next stage of our growth trajectory, we felt it would be beneficial to bring on board experienced investors such as Abraaj and the EBRD, who have solid track records in expanding businesses and paving the way for further operational value. We look forward to working with them over the coming months and years.” EBRD Director for Turkey, Michael Davey, commented: “The EBRD is pleased to partner with The Abraaj Group to support yet another successful Turkish company. Established in Anatolia, BRN Sleep Products is a great example of how fast-growing enterprises can boost economic development in the regions of Turkey. Supporting such companies is at the heart of the EBRD’s strategy in Turkey.” The Abraaj Group officials said: “Our investment in BRN Sleep Products is aligned with the Anatolia Growth Capital Fund’s strategy of seeking strong, growth-oriented and well-managed companies in the developing provinces and regions of Anatolia. With exports to over 50 countries and expansion in the domestic market, we see an exciting opportunity to drive BRN Sleep Products’ growth in Turkey, regionally and beyond. We look forward to working with Ms. Berna İlter and Mr. Mustafa İlter, providing our financial and operational support to the business, and to partnering once again with the EBRD on investment opportunities in Turkey.” “Actually, innovation has turned to be a way of life and the key strategy of BRN and become the strategic part of company’s long term growth. Instead of focusing on competitors, BNR has been keeping the pulse of its customers around the globe” Berna İlter said.
