University-Industry Cooperation in Surface Treatment and Coating Sectors

Sakarya University of Applied Sciences Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Application and Research Centre (SUMAR) and Platech Coating Technologies Ind. and Trade Ltd. Co. have signed a cooperation protocol. Platech, founded in 2015, operates in the surface coatings sector. This year, the company has expanded its services in zinc, alkaline zinc, zinc-nickel and phosphate-based coatings in the Sakarya region with an investment in a new 4,000 m² facility and coating line. SUMAR Centre Director, Academic Member Dr. Ekrem Altuncu, made the following remarks during his visit with Platech officials (Semi Murselim, Serhat Öztürk, Selçuk Mürselim, Adem Tuna): "Rising sector demand and investments by the automotive and defence sectors in our region play an important role in the development of the surface treatment and coating sector. It is essential for our university and centre to support companies in enhancing their R&D activities and accessing qualified human resources, in addition to their quality control, testing and analysis capabilities. It is anticipated that standardization efforts and R&D activities will enable the sector to reach significant market volumes. Through this cooperation between our centre and the company, coating, testing, analysis, process improvement activities and extended internship programmes for undergraduate students will be carried out. Dual cooperation projects will be prioritised in postgraduate work. Training for company personnel and human resources support will also be realised within the scope of this cooperation."