Bursa Industrial Zones: A Guide to Turkey’s Manufacturing Hub

Bursa, situated in the northwestern part of Turkey, holds a prominent position as one of the nation's major industrial hubs. With a rich industrial heritage dating back centuries, Bursa has played a pivotal role in Turkey's economic growth and development.

The city's strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and strong manufacturing base have attracted numerous industries and investments, making it a thriving centre for industrial activities.

Bursa Economy and Industry

Bursa is renowned for its vibrant economy and diverse industrial base. The city's economy has experienced substantial growth and transformation over the years, establishing it as a significant economic powerhouse in the country. Bursa's economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, trade, services, and tourism.

Manufacturing is a key pillar of Bursa's economy, with a strong emphasis on automotive production. The city is often referred to as the "Detroit of Turkey" due to its thriving automotive industry.

Trade plays a vital role in Bursa's economy, as the city benefits from its strategic location and well-developed transportation networks. Bursa is well-connected to major domestic and international markets through road, rail, sea, and air transportation. The city has several industrial and logistics parks that facilitate the efficient movement of goods and support trade activities. Bursa's trade sector encompasses both domestic trades, serving the local market, and international trade, with a focus on exports.

The economic development in Bursa has led to improved infrastructure, urbanization, and quality of life for its residents. The city's economy continues to evolve, with efforts to diversify industries, promote innovation, and attract investments in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Benefits of Industrial Zones in Bursa

The industrial zones in Bursa offer numerous benefits to businesses and contribute significantly to the region's economic development. Here are some key advantages of establishing operations in the industrial zones of Bursa:

• Infrastructure and Facilities: Bursa's industrial zones provide well-developed infrastructure and essential facilities to support industrial activities. These include industrial parks, production facilities, warehouses, utilities (water, electricity, and gas), transportation networks, and waste management systems. The availability of modern infrastructure ensures efficient operations and facilitates the smooth flow of goods and services.
• Access to Skilled Workforce: Bursa's industrial zones benefit from the presence of a skilled and diverse workforce. The region has a long-standing tradition in manufacturing and industrial activities, resulting in a pool of trained workers with expertise in various sectors. The availability of skilled labour makes it easier for businesses to recruit and retain qualified employees, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
• Business Clustering and Collaboration: Bursa's industrial zones foster business clustering, bringing together companies from similar industries or supply chains. This proximity encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of synergies among businesses. Companies can benefit from shared resources, joint research and development projects, and opportunities for subcontracting and outsourcing.
• Regulatory Support and Incentives: The industrial zones in Bursa offer regulatory support and various incentives to attract investments and promote industrial growth. These incentives may include tax advantages, customs exemptions, streamlined licensing procedures, and financial support for infrastructure development or research and development activities. Such incentives can significantly reduce the operational costs and financial burdens on businesses.
• Access to Markets and Supply Chains: Bursa's strategic location provides businesses in the industrial zones with access to both domestic and international markets. The city's well-developed transportation networks, including highways, railways, ports, and an international airport, facilitate the movement of goods and enable efficient supply chain management. Proximity to major markets and transportation hubs enhances market reach and competitiveness for businesses operating in Bursa.
• Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Bursa's industrial zones create a conducive environment for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Business associations, industry-specific organizations, and trade fairs often organize events and activities within the industrial zones, allowing companies to connect with potential partners, suppliers, customers, and industry experts. These networking opportunities can lead to new business partnerships, technology transfer, and market expansion.
• Economic Development and Employment Opportunities: The industrial zones in Bursa contribute significantly to the region's economic development and job creation. They attract domestic and foreign investments, stimulate economic growth, and generate employment opportunities for the local population. The presence of industrial zones fosters a multiplier effect, benefiting other sectors of the economy, such as services, logistics, and construction.

Bursa’s Top Industrial Areas

Bursa Industrial Zone (Bursa OSB)

Bursa OSB, also known as Bursa Organized Industrial Zone, is one of the oldest and largest industrial zones in Turkey. It covers a vast area of approximately 2,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of manufacturing and production facilities. Bursa OSB has been instrumental in establishing Bursa as a major industrial hub in the country.

The industrial zone is strategically located, providing easy access to major transportation routes, including highways and railways. Bursa OSB is known for its concentration of automotive manufacturing facilities, including factories of renowned automobile manufacturers such as Oyak-Renault, Tofas (Fiat and Koc Holding joint venture), and Ford Otosan. These companies, along with their extensive supply chains, have contributed significantly to Bursa's reputation as the "Detroit of Turkey."

Bursa OSB also encompasses other sectors such as textiles, machinery, metalworking, electronics, and more. The industrial zone offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, utilities, logistics centres, and research and development facilities. This well-planned environment provides a conducive ecosystem for businesses to thrive, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and technological advancements.

Demirtas Small Industrial Site (Demirtas KOSB)

Demirtas KOSB, located in the Nilufer district of Bursa, is a small industrial site that caters to sectors such as machinery, metalworking, and automotive supply. It provides a supportive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to establish their operations and contribute to the local economy.

Demirtas KOSB offers a range of facilities and services to facilitate efficient and sustainable industrial activities. These include industrial plots, production units, warehouses, logistics centres, and technical support services. The industrial site encourages entrepreneurship and local manufacturing, contributing to job creation and economic development in the region.

Nilufer Industrial Zone (Nilufer OSB)

Nilufer OSB is a prominent industrial zone in Bursa, primarily focused on industries such as automotive supply, machinery, and electronics. It is located in the Nilufer district, which is known for its dynamic and progressive business environment.

Nilufer OSB offers modern infrastructure, well-equipped industrial sites, and advanced technological capabilities. The industrial zone provides facilities such as production units, research and development centres, business incubators, and shared services. These amenities support companies in achieving operational excellence, innovation, and international competitiveness.

With its strategic location and proximity to major transportation routes, Nilufer OSB offers convenient access to both domestic and international markets. It plays a significant role in driving the growth of the automotive and machinery sectors in Bursa, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities.

İnegol Industrial Zone (İnegol OSB)

İnegol OSB, situated in the İnegol district of Bursa, is a specialized industrial zone focused on furniture manufacturing. İnegol is renowned as one of the leading furniture production centres in Turkey, and İnegol OSB plays a crucial role in supporting and expanding this industry.

The industrial zone offers a dedicated space for furniture manufacturers, providing necessary infrastructure, production facilities, and support services. İnegol OSB enables furniture companies to optimize their manufacturing processes, enhance product quality, and meet the demands of both domestic and international markets.

The industrial zone encourages collaboration among furniture manufacturers, facilitating knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and innovation. İnegol OSB has helped İnegol become a significant player in the furniture industry, contributing to the economic growth of both the district and Bursa

What Products is Bursa Famous for?

Bursa is famous for its production of various products across different industries. Here are some of the notable products that Bursa is renowned for:

Automotive Products: Bursa has gained international recognition for its automotive industry. The city is known for manufacturing automobiles, commercial vehicles, and automotive components. Bursa's automotive sector specializes in producing passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, engines, transmissions, and other automotive parts. Major automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Bursa have contributed to Turkey's position as a significant player in the global automotive market.

Textiles and Apparel: Bursa has a long history and expertise in textile production. The city is known for its textile mills, garment manufacturing, and the production of various textile products. Bursa's textile industry encompasses the manufacturing of fabrics, yarns, home textiles, and apparel. The city's textile products are recognized for their quality, design, and diverse range of offerings.

Furniture: Bursa, particularly the İnegol district, is renowned for its furniture manufacturing industry. İnegol has gained a reputation as a leading furniture production centre in Turkey. The furniture industry in Bursa specializes in the production of a wide range of furniture items, including residential furniture, office furniture, and hospitality furniture. Bursa's furniture products are known for their craftsmanship, design aesthetics, and durability.

Machinery and Metalworking: Bursa is a significant centre for machinery manufacturing and metalworking. The city produces a wide array of machinery and metal products, including industrial machinery, machine tools, metal components, and equipment. Bursa's machinery and metalworking sector serves various industries such as automotive, textile, electronics, and construction, providing essential components and machinery for manufacturing processes.

Food and Beverages: Bursa is known for its diverse food and beverage industry. The city produces a range of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products. Bursa is particularly famous for its varieties of chestnuts and peaches, which are celebrated for their taste and quality. Additionally, Bursa has a thriving tea and herbal tea production industry, offering a variety of aromatic and flavorful teas.

Thermal Baths and Wellness Products: Bursa is home to several thermal baths and spa centres known for their therapeutic properties. The city's thermal baths attract visitors seeking relaxation, wellness, and natural healing. Bursa's thermal baths are renowned for their thermal waters, rich in minerals, and are often used in the production of wellness products such as creams, lotions, and skincare items.

These are just some of the products for which Bursa is famous. The city's industrial diversity and expertise have contributed to its reputation as a significant industrial and manufacturing hub in Turkey.