Starting in 1983 in Istanbul with just three people in the office furniture manufacturing sector, xDrive has grown steadily over the years and gained worldwide recognition with its gaming chairs. Exporting to nearly 20 countries, the company has taken a significant step to expand its production capacity and product portfolio.
xDrive has laid the foundation for the ‘xDrive Furniture’ factory in the 2nd Organized Industrial Zone in Hendek, Sakarya. The groundbreaking ceremony began with a recitation from the Quran and concluded with the sacrifice of animals and prayers.
The factory, which will be built on a 10-acre plot and will include a showroom, administrative building, and production facilities, aims to contribute to the national economy while adopting an environmentally friendly and innovative production approach.
From a Team of Three to Selling Gaming Chairs Worldwide
"For us, this was a dream come true."
xDrive co-partner and General Manager Fatih Yalçın shared insights into their vision for the new factory, emphasizing their aim to create more competitive products utilizing sustainable and renewable energy:
"Istanbul, as a large metropolis, has become constrained for major industrialists. Hence, we were seeking alternatives. Sakarya’s 2nd Organized Industrial Zone, located at the intersection of three main roads, offered attractive opportunities, making it our preferred location. xDrive specializes in producing gaming chairs, furniture, office chairs, and work chairs. Founded in 1983, our expertise has always been focused on developing products for professional use and creating ergonomic designs. In this new factory, we aim to develop higher-tech, quality-focused products by utilizing sustainable and renewable energy sources.
"The factory will consist of two main sections: administrative and production areas. Part of the production space will be dedicated to chair manufacturing, while the rest will focus on furniture production. The showroom and administrative area will cover approximately 1,900 square meters, with a total production area of 10,000 square meters. Given our strong export activities, we needed more expansive spaces for our departments. We’ve also created dedicated areas to host our international guests. Following in my father’s footsteps, I’ve been involved in manufacturing for as long as I can remember. We started production in very limited spaces, but we always dreamed of days like these. I’m very grateful that this dream has come true, and we’re incredibly happy.”
A $10 Million Investment Plan
Co-partner Orhan Özmen highlighted the $10 million investment planned for the factory:
"We began with office chair production. In 2016, we identified a growing need for more functional and ergonomic products in Turkey. Inspired by feedback from gamers, we ventured into this field. Today, our products cater to both gamers and individuals requiring ergonomic solutions. We prioritize ergonomics in our designs, focusing on seating comfort, lumbar support, reclining mechanisms, headrest adjustments, and arm functionalities. Collaborating with physiotherapists, we strive to develop products that protect spinal health. Identifying a gap in the market, we’ve received significant interest in our offerings.”
"Everything Is for Human Health"
Özmen also noted that the company exports to nearly 20 countries:
"xDrive is the company that established this sector in Turkey. We participate in fairs and events both domestically and internationally, aiming to expand our exports and increase our product range. People no longer sit at fixed desks; we’re making desks more dynamic. Everything we do is for human health, and we will continue progressing in this direction.”
"We Can Compete with China"
Özmen shared plans to employ 200 people with the new factory:
"From starting with three people in 1983, we’ve grown to a team of 75. With the foundation of this new factory, we aim to employ nearly 200 workers. Our goal is to enhance production capacity and intensify exports. We aspire to reach a level where we can compete with powerful players like China in this sector. If we use the right parameters, we can achieve this.”
"Reaching These Days Brings Great Joy"
Company founder Muhammet Yalçın also reflected on the journey:
"We established the company as Yıldız Çelik in 1983, and for the past decade, we’ve continued under the xDrive name. Back then, we started with just 2-3 people in a workshop. It was hard to imagine that we’d grow to a capacity of 70-80 employees, let alone 200, as planned for the new factory. Seeing Orhan and Fatih take the company far beyond where we started is a source of immense pride. I wish them success and blessings in their endeavors.”
