Interview: Namık Kemal Parlak

In an exclusive interview, Salim Alaybeyi, Vice President of Molino, reveals how the company’s 70-year legacy has evolved into a global leader in grain processing. Highlighting Molino’s innovative ‘Food City Project,’ Alaybeyi discusses how this initiative is revolutionizing food production and security worldwide.

Konya, situated in the heart of Turkey’s agricultural hub, is home to a significant player in the global grain processing and milling industry: Molino Inc. With a history spanning 70 years, the company boasts an inspiring success story. Molino began its journey in 1965 in a modest 240-square-meter workshop and has since evolved into a global enterprise with a sprawling 54,000-square-meter production facility. From flour production to becoming a technology provider building state-of-the-art flour mills, Molino is now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of food and grain processing equipment.

Salim Alaybeyi
Vice President of Molino

We had the pleasure of speaking with Salim Alaybeyi, Vice President of Molino, who has both contributed to and witnessed the company’s growth. A veteran of the milling industry with over 50 years of experience, Mr. Alaybeyi’s journey began in his youth, growing up amidst the milling process and observing firsthand the transformation of wheat into the precious ‘white gold’ of flour. This unique background provided him with invaluable practical insights. Complementing his early experiences, Mr. Alaybeyi holds a formal education as a mechanical engineer from Yıldız Technical University and a master’s degree from the USA. Fluent in English, Russian, French, and Arabic, he has developed a profound understanding of the technical, cultural, and geographical significance of wheat. This deep knowledge is reflected in Molino’s strategies and corporate identity.

During our visit to Konya, we had the privilege of hearing Mr. Salim Alaybeyi’s extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. We discussed the key factors behind Molino’s success and its vision for the future

Mr. Mr. Alaybeyi, could you share with us the story of Molino from its roots to the present day and the transformation it has undergone in the industry since its first steps?

Molino has its origins in the 1950s. Our founder, my late grandfather Salim Alaybeyi, initially engaged in the flour trade and agricultural business before establishing a flour factory. After my grandfather’s passing in 1964, Molino Machinery Inc. was founded by my father, Dr. Ömer Lütfi Alaybeyi. He shifted the focus from flour manufacturing to producing flour milling technology. Since then, the company has grown to become a leader in the sector, specializing in the construction of turnkey flour mills, semolina factories, feed mills, food processing plants, and silos. In 1981, we made our first export to France, becoming the first Turkish machinery exporter in our field.

Starting in 1965 with a modest 240-square-meter workshop, Molino now operates on a 54,000-square-meter site, with 35,000 square meters of indoor space. In addition to our main factory in Konya’s Second Organized Industrial Zone, we have operations in Qatar and Algeria. Overall, including all our subsidiaries, we are a large family of about 600 people.

What factors contribute to Molino’s impressive success?

Our success can be attributed to the principles established by our founder, my late grandfather. He adhered to the motto ‘Sign what you commit to do and do what you sign,’ emphasizing honesty and integrity in every aspect of work. He was known for fulfilling his promises and placing great importance on moral values. We continue to honor his legacy by upholding these values. Our commitment to these ethical standards and our strong internal discipline have been fundamental to our success.

Can you provide information about your export markets?

Molino maintains close cooperation with countries in Africa and Central Asia. North Africa, particularly Algeria, is our largest market, where we have been active for 42 years. Additionally, we have strong partnerships with countries in the Middle East.

You have developed a concept called the ‘Food City Project.’ Could you tell us more about it?

The ‘Food City Project’ is a unique and comprehensive initiative designed to create fully integrated systems within the food industry. This project offers significant cost savings across various areas, including human resources and energy. Our goal is to enhance food security by establishing facilities that are optimized for the production of grain-based foods. Beyond producing flour from wheat, these facilities can be integrated with additional production units, such as those for bread, pasta, and biscuits, to further reduce costs and improve quality. By focusing on cost and energy efficiency and managing all operations from a central hub, we aim to streamline processes and support global food security while bolstering the agricultural sectors of participating countries.

The Food City Project, which received recognition in the machinery innovation category at the Turkey Innovation and Accomplishment Awards, is built on a cumulative model that consolidates grain-based product production. Central to this project is the flour mill, as flour serves as the fundamental raw material for all products processed in these integrated facilities. Surrounding the flour mill is a comprehensive cluster of facilities that includes production units for bakery items such as pasta, biscuits, and wafers. This integrated approach significantly reduces both investment and operating costs while offering substantial logistical benefits. Additionally, the facilities can be monitored and controlled via advanced software or even remotely through a telephone. This system ensures products are produced under hygienic conditions and operates with minimal human intervention. We view this project as a crucial step in enhancing global food security by providing a centralized solution for diverse food production needs.

What impact does this model have on an international scale?

We primarily implement these projects abroad, with a significant focus on Africa, where food access issues are particularly acute. We collaborate closely with local governments to realize these initiatives. Our goal is to expand the Food City Project globally to support countries in ensuring food security. In any region, unforeseen events such as epidemics, disasters, or crises can disrupt food supply. By strategically positioning these projects in various countries worldwide, we aim to contribute to global food security and provide a robust solution for food production challenges.

Molino is also noted for its significant investments in R&D. Can you share more about your activities and vision in this area?

For approximately 35 years, we have been deeply engaged in R&D, continuously enhancing our activities and integrating new technologies into our business processes. Our R&D facility is not only the largest in Turkey but also among the leading ones in Europe. This robust setup supports Molino’s commitment to quality, technological innovation, and sectoral differentiation, positioning us at the forefront of technological advancement.