The Turkish Employers Association of Metal Industries (MESS) encompasses more than 230,000 employees across major industries, including automotive, machinery, durable goods, iron and steel, and cabling, making up 40 percent of Türkiye’s total manufacturing exports. It provides services like technology solutions, labor agreements, and a joint procurement platform to its members. “MESS works with the largest employers in the country, directly and indirectly affecting one million people,” says MESS President Özgür Burak Akkol.
Today its manufacturers are embracing developments to stay competitive and resilient in a rapidly transforming global landscape. “We aim to accelerate their adoption of digital and sustainability capabilities, from the board level to frontline workers,” says Özgür.
To fulfill this mission, MESS has partnered with McKinsey to found and build a comprehensive innovation and learning center called MEXT that offers tools, strategies, trainings, and access to a global technology ecosystem. MEXT enables its members and network companies to achieve both digital and green transformation, having already reached more than 650 companies, recently also adding artificial intelligence as another pillar of its mission.
MEXT opened in 2020 and spans four key pillars: a digital factory, capability-building programs, a global partner ecosystem, and a technical consulting and advisory arm. Housed in a 10,000-square-meter space, it includes training facilities, office spaces, a co-working area, and a conference center, already upskilling over 31,000 people across more than 650 companies.
See how MEXT is helping transform Turkish manufacturers and making them future proof.
