Founded in 1992 by Selami Dizdar in Bursa, Turkey, Selsa Makina has grown from a small workshop into a global leader in precision machining and specialized machinery. Initially focused on custom machines for the automotive sector, Selsa soon expanded into mass production, particularly excelling in deep-hole drilling and high-precision components. Now led by Cem Dizdar, the company continues to innovate, addressing the evolving needs of the automotive, defence and other manufacturing industries while embracing new technologies like Industry 4.0.
Turkey, often regarded as the gateway to Europe, is vital in connecting the East with major industrial hubs in the West. Turkish companies, particularly in manufacturing, are living up to this responsibility, bridging markets across continents. The Turkish community has deep roots in Europe, especially in Germany—the heart of engineering excellence. Following this path, Selsa Makina is taking bold steps beyond Turkey, targeting key industrial regions in Europe, including Germany and the United States. At the same time, the company is also focusing on Asia’s growing and dynamic market. With plans to establish representation or form strategic partnerships, Selsa is keen on tapping into India’s vast manufacturing potential, positioning itself as a key player in the region’s industrial growth.
During the recent AMB 2024 exhibition at Messe Stuttgart, Germany, Selsa Makina showcased its cutting-edge range of deep drilling machines, marking a pivotal moment in its 32-year journey of excellence in precision machining and custom machinery solutions. This exhibition also led to a significant introduction between Selsa Makina and Machine Maker. In an exclusive conversation with Cem Dizdar, Managing Director of Selsa Makina, we delve into the company’s evolution and forward-looking approach as it explores new markets, including India.
Cem Dizdar represents and leads Selsa’s innovative spirit. Having taken over the business from his father in 2014, Cem has focused on expanding Selsa’s global footprint while maintaining its core values of quality and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, the company has solidified its presence in the Turkish market and made significant strides in Europe and the United States.
Selsa Makina: Machine Building at Its Core Philosophy
Since its inception in 1992, Salsa Makina has remained at the forefront of precision engineering, consistently delivering cutting-edge solutions in deep-hole drilling and special-purpose machinery. Over the years, Selsa has grown from producing wringer washing machines to becoming a key player in the automotive, defence, and medical equipment manufacturing industries.
“My father founded Selsa,” shared Cem Dizdar, emphasizing the company’s deep roots in Bursa, located 200 kilometres from Istanbul, a well-known automotive manufacturing hub. Over time, as the demand for precision components grew, Selsa evolved from building custom machines to serial production of high-precision components for European automotive companies. By 2000, Selsa’s focus had firmly shifted to precision component manufacturing, and machine building had taken a back seat as the company thrived in meeting the growing demands of the automotive sector.
“Even after Selsa shifted to manufacturing precision components, we continued building machines for our use,” Cem Dizdar explained. Over the years, the company developed a range of machines, including turning, coating, milling, and testing equipment. The company has continually expanded its capabilities, introducing special-purpose machines for mass production and delving into custom solutions for clients across the globe.
“In 2018, we built three deep hole drilling machines, which performed exceptionally well and were highly appreciated by our customers,” Cem continued. By 2021, Selsa showcased its deep-hole drilling machines at the Istanbul Fair, catching the attention of numerous companies, particularly in the defence sector. “We sold over 15 deep hole drilling machines to clients in the automotive and defence industries,” added Cem, reflecting on the company’s growing success.
Significant milestones, such as introducing their SL Series Deep Hole Drilling Machines in 2004 and recognising their R&D capabilities in 2018, reflect their commitment to innovation. In recent years, Selsa has focused on expanding its global footprint. In 2022, they launched the SL Series at MAKTEK, introducing the SR Series Reaming Machines and the RF Series Rifling Machines at IDEF 2023. These products marked Selsa’s official entry into the European and US markets, further cementing its position as a global player in precision machinery.
Expanding Markets: A Step Towards Global Leadership
At the AMB 2024 exhibition, Selsa showcased the SL Series alongside their latest innovations, signalling their ambitious plans for continued growth in international markets. “We have a strong market presence in Turkey, and expanding into Europe is the next exciting step,” said Cem Dizdar. “AMB 2024 was the perfect platform for this expansion, and our experience was highly positive. European customers appreciated both our machines’ quality and our competitive prices.”
According to Cem, Selsa’s most significant advantage lies in its cost efficiency and short delivery times. “We can deliver our deep hole drilling machines within four to five months of receiving an order,” he added. With an eye toward the future, Selsa Makina has set ambitious targets for the next decade. They plan to aggressively expand their machine sales across Europe and the U.S. while scaling up production and assembly operations. By 2030, Selsa aims to achieve a 300% growth in its production capacity, making it one of the leading names in global precision manufacturing.
We Know & Understand India: Targeting New Markets
With its sights set on India, Selsa is eager to bring its expertise in high-precision machinery to the region’s booming manufacturing sector—industries such as automotive, medical, and defence present significant opportunities for Selsa’s specialized solutions. The company’s focus on customization and sector-specific solutions positions it well to meet the diverse needs of Indian manufacturers.
“We have a deep understanding of Indian culture and mindset,” said Cem Dizdar, as he looks forward to establishing Selsa’s presence in the Indian market. At AMB 2024, Selsa engaged in discussions with several Indian companies about representing them in the region. “India is a vast market. We’ve already visited Bosch facilities in Jaipur and Bangalore,” Cem added. With India focusing on strengthening its local supply chain, particularly in the defence sector, Selsa Makina is positioning itself to cater to this segment in the near future.
Committed for the World: The Way Forward!
Beyond innovation, Selsa is also committed to sustainable manufacturing practices. Its production processes are designed with environmental responsibility in mind, and the company continuously works to minimize its carbon footprint. This dedication to sustainability extends to all aspects of its operations, from research and development to its relationships with employees and stakeholders.
Selsa is focused on becoming a significant player in the precision machining sector. It is known for its deep hole drilling, reaming, and rifling machines, which serve industries as diverse as automotive, defence, aviation, and medical. Its flagship product lines, such as the SL Series Deep Hole Drilling Machines, have become synonymous with reliability and precision, providing solutions for the most demanding industrial applications.
Selsa’s dedication to research and development is evident in its history of technological advancements. The company has continually expanded its capabilities, introducing special-purpose machines for mass production and developing custom solutions for clients worldwide. Selsa’s roadmap for the future is clear: continue innovating, expand into new markets, and uphold the quality and precision that have defined the company for over thirty years. With ambitious plans, Selsa Makina looks forward to becoming a leading global supplier of deep-hole drilling solutions.
