Sönmez Trafo celebrates 50 years anniversary
Sönmez Trafo, manufacturer of special purpose transformers, celebrates 50 years anniversary. A significant portion of their production are transformers for variable frequency drives (VFD) and other power electronic applications. We had the opportunity to interview one of the key persons in the company, Mr. Oguz Sönmez. The transcript of our interesting dialogue is published here in form of a blog post. We were also authorized to publish several interesting pictures that help to illustrate the history, mission and vision and capability of the company.
Mr. Sönmez, you are now a third generation leading the company. Over time, the company has grown significantly. Can you tell us a bit about the history of Sönmez Trafo? How did the business start, what were the key milestones?
Sönmez Trafo was founded in 1976 by my grandfather, Mehmet Sönmez, with a very
clear vision: to build a company based not only on technical excellence, but also on trust, long-term relationships, and strong ethical values. At that time, Türkiye’s industrial infrastructure was developing rapidly, and there was a growing need for reliable and high-quality transformer manufacturers that could serve both domestic and international markets.
He started the business with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and deep technical knowledge, focusing on special purpose transformers rather than standard mass production products. This decision shaped the DNA of our company. From the beginning, Sönmez Trafo specialized in engineering-intensive solutions where customization, reliability, and long-term performance were critical. This approach allowed us to create a strong reputation in sectors where failure is simply not an option.
The first years were naturally challenging. Like many industrial companies, growth required patience, disciplined investment, and building trust customer by customer. My father, the second generation, played a major role in transforming the company from a local manufacturer into a globally recognized industrial partner.
Under his leadership, we expanded our production capacity, strengthened our engineering capabilities, invested heavily in testing infrastructure, and most importantly, developed long-term strategic partnerships with major global players.
One of the most important milestones was our strong expansion into export markets. Today, a significant portion of our business comes from international customers, and our transformers operate in many countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. This international growth required not only technical competitiveness, but also the ability to meet the highest global standards in quality, certification, and customer expectations.
Another key milestone was our specialization in traction transformers for the railway industry. This became one of our strongest business segments and positioned Sönmez Trafo as a trusted supplier for rolling stock manufacturers worldwide. In parallel, we continued to grow in power transformers, rectifier transformers, furnace transformers, and many other special applications where engineering expertise is the key differentiator.
What makes our story particularly meaningful is that while the company has grown significantly over nearly five decades, the core values have remained unchanged. We still believe that reputation is built over decades and can be lost in a single day. We still prioritize long-term partnerships over short-term gains. And we still see every transformer not simply as a product, but as a responsibility.
Today, as the third generation leading the company, I see my role not only as managing a business, but also as protecting and developing a legacy. Reaching our 50th anniversary in 2026 is not simply a celebration of time; it is a reflection of resilience, continuity, and the people who contributed to this journey—our employees, customers, suppliers, and partners.
Our story is ultimately not only about transformers. It is about family, trust, industrial discipline, and the belief that sustainable success comes from doing the right things consistently over a very long period of time.
Türkiye is a transformer country in the sense that there are many transformer manufacturers and a heavy competition. How does your company differentiate from the others? How do you position yourself on the market?
Türkiye is indeed a very strong transformer manufacturing country. There is significant know-how, a well-established industrial base, and many highly capable manufacturers operating in both domestic and international markets. This naturally creates strong competition, especially in standard transformer segments where price pressure can be very intense.
From the beginning, Sönmez Trafo chose a different path. Rather than competing
primarily in high-volume standard products, we positioned ourselves in special purpose transformers—products where engineering complexity, customization, and reliability are far more important than pure price competition.
Our philosophy has always been that we do not want to be the biggest manufacturer; we want to be the most trusted partner in the segments we serve.
The main differentiator for us is engineering depth. Many of our products are designed for highly demanding applications such as traction transformers for railway systems, rectifier transformers, furnace transformers, converter transformers, and other mission-critical applications where every project has unique technical requirements. These are not standard catalog products; they require close cooperation with the customer, deep technical understanding, and a strong problem-solving mindset.
Another major differentiator is our long-term approach to customer relationships.
In our industry, trust is everything. A transformer is not a short-term purchase; it is an asset expected to operate reliably for decades. Customers do not only buy a product—they buy confidence. This is why we focus heavily on consistency, transparency, and after-sales responsibility. Many of our customer relationships have continued for decades, which we consider one of our greatest achievements.
Quality infrastructure is also a key part of our positioning. We have continuously
invested in advanced testing capabilities, production technologies, and international certifications to ensure that we meet the expectations of global OEMs and utilities. Especially when working with major multinational companies, technical compliance and process discipline are as important as the product itself.
Our strong export orientation also shapes our market position. Competing internationally forces you to stay disciplined and continuously improve. Today, working with global customers in Europe, North America, and other demanding markets gives us valuable perspective and keeps our standards high.
At the same time, being a family-owned company gives us an important advantage:
agility and long-term decision-making. We are not driven by short-term quarterly
targets. We can think in decades, not quarters. This allows us to invest patiently,
build stronger partnerships, and make decisions based on sustainability rather than
immediate financial results.
I would say our position in the market is very clear: we are a specialized, engineering-driven, high-reliability transformer manufacturer for customers who value long-term performance over short-term price advantages.
In highly competitive markets, differentiation cannot be based only on what you produce, but on how you think, how you respond, and how consistently you deliver. That is where we believe Sönmez Trafo stands apart.
Of course, product quality and technical capability are fundamental. Without strong
engineering, reliable manufacturing, and strict quality control, there is no sustainable business in our industry. However, today many manufacturers can produce good transformers. The real difference begins after that point.
For us, differentiation starts with mindset. We approach every project not as a transaction, but as a long-term responsibility. Especially in special purpose transformers, customers are often dealing with highly complex systems where downtime is extremely costly and reliability is non-negotiable. In such cases, being a supplier is not enough—you must become a true solution partner. This means understanding the customer’s application in depth, challenging assumptions when necessary, and sometimes proposing solutions that go beyond the original specification. We believe value is created not by simply following drawings, but by contributing engineering intelligence and practical experience to the project.
Responsiveness is another major factor. In today’s global market, speed of communication and decision-making is often as important as technical competence. Customers expect transparency, fast problem solving, and direct access to decision-makers. As a family-owned company, we have the advantage of being agile. We can react quickly, make decisions efficiently, and stay close to both customers and operations.
Consistency is perhaps the most underestimated differentiator. One successful project is important, but real trust is built through repeated performance over many years. Delivering the same level of quality, reliability, and professionalism across every project is what creates long-term partnerships. In our business, reputation is accumulated slowly and protected carefully.
We also believe that corporate culture plays a major role. Our employees understand that every transformer leaving our factory carries our family name. This creates a strong sense of ownership and accountability. It is not only about meeting technical specifications—it is about protecting a reputation built over 50 years.
Ultimately, customers remember how you behave when challenges arise. Problems can happen in any industrial project; what matters is how you respond. Our focus has always been on being reliable when it matters most. This is often the moment where true differentiation becomes visible.
That is why we believe our competitive strength comes not only from the transformers we manufacture, but from the trust we build around them. Technology can be copied over time; trust cannot.
Sönmez Trafo has a new modern factory. How did it all happen? What opportunities did the new manufacturing location open for your company and your customers?
The decision to invest in our new factory was not simply about increasing production capacity; it was a strategic step for the future of the company. In fact, the investment decision was made back in 2014, long before many of today’s market dynamics fully developed. It was a forward-looking decision based on our belief that both the transformer industry and our own business would continue to grow significantly in the coming years.
At that time, we could already see that customer expectations were becoming more demanding, projects were becoming larger and more complex, and global competition required stronger production capabilities and higher standards. We understood that if we wanted to continue growing internationally and remain competitive with the best manufacturers in the world, we needed to make the right factory investment at the right time. This was a major investment for our company, and after several years of planning
and execution, our new factory officially started production on May 1st, 2017. Looking back today, we can clearly say that it was the right decision made at exactly the right moment.
Our previous facility had served us successfully for many years, but the expectations of global customers were changing rapidly. Larger projects, stricter technical requirements, higher testing standards, and increasing demands for process efficiency required a more advanced production infrastructure.
The new factory was designed with this long-term vision in mind. It is not only larger, but significantly more modern in terms of production flow, testing capabilities, safety standards, and engineering support. We invested heavily in advanced manufacturing equipment, improved material handling systems, stronger testing laboratories, and infrastructure that allows us to manage more complex and larger transformer projects with greater precision.
One of the biggest advantages has been operational efficiency. Better layout planning, optimized workflows, and improved logistics inside the plant have significantly increased productivity and quality consistency. This is especially important in our business because every project is highly customized and requires close coordination between engineering, production, and quality departments. For our customers, the new factory creates greater confidence and flexibility. It allows us to handle larger volumes, shorter lead times, and more demanding technical specifications while maintaining the same focus on reliability and quality. Customers visiting the facility can clearly see our commitment to international
standards and long-term industrial investment. Another important benefit is our strengthened testing capability. In special purpose transformers, testing is often as critical as manufacturing itself. The ability to perform advanced routine and type tests under controlled conditions gives customers assurance that the product will perform reliably in the field. This is particularly important for railway, industrial, and infrastructure projects where failure is simply not acceptable. The new location has also improved our ability to attract and develop talent. A modern production environment creates better working conditions for our employees and supports the growth of younger engineers and specialists. For us, investment in people is just as important as investment in machines.
I would say the new factory represents much more than a physical building. It is a statement of intent. It shows that Sönmez Trafo is not only protecting its legacy, but actively investing in its future. For our company, it provides the platform for the next decades of growth. For our customers, it means stronger partnership, higher confidence, and the assurance that they are working with a manufacturer prepared for the future, not only for today.
You started to work for the company already at young age, I guess. How did your father prepare you for such role? What were your feelings when you accepted a leadership role?
Although our company is a family business, my father never put pressure on me or my brother to join the company or take leadership roles. I think this was one of the most important things he did right. He allowed us to develop our own interests and personalities naturally. However, from a very young age, he always kept us close to the factory and production environment. During summer holidays, weekends, or whenever we had free time, he would often take us to the factory. Sometimes we would spend time in production areas, sometimes in the offices, and sometimes we would simply observe people working, discussing technical problems, or making decisions. Looking back now, I realize that this was actually a very valuable education process, even though at the time it felt completely natural. He wanted us to understand the culture of the company, the importance of production, discipline, human relations, and responsibility. We learned to respect every role in the factory, from operators to engineers to managers. Seeing the effort behind manufacturing at such a young age created a strong emotional connection with the company. Later, when it was time to choose a university path, my father advised us to consider engineering, but again, he never made it a strict obligation. Still, engineering was already deeply rooted in our family culture. Both of my grandfathers graduated from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Electrical Engineering, and throughout my childhood I was surrounded by engineers, technical discussions, projects, and factory conversations. Naturally, I also chose Electrical Engineering at ITU and continued on that path. What influenced me the most was not direct instruction, but the way my father shared his way of thinking with us. He always listened to our opinions seriously, even when we were young. Instead of forcing decisions, he explained how he approached problems, partnerships, risks, customers, and long-term strategy. Over time, we started to understand not only the technical side of the business, but also the philosophy behind building a sustainable company and long-term relationships.
The leadership transition itself did not happen suddenly. It developed gradually, day by day and year by year. Step by step, responsibilities increased, experience grew, and naturally confidence also improved. I think leadership in a family company is not something you simply inherit overnight. You grow into it over many years by observing, learning, making mistakes, and gaining trust from both the family and the employees.
Today, I feel very proud to continue this journey together with my family and colleagues, while also respecting the values and culture built by previous generations.
What is the transformer portfolio that you produce today? What markets and applications do your products serve in?
Today, Sönmez Trafo focuses mainly on the design and production of special transformers and reactors for demanding industrial and transportation applications. Over the years, we have developed a broad and highly customized product portfolio rather than concentrating only on standard distribution transformers. Our main product groups include traction transformers for rolling stock applications, converter and rectifier transformers, VSD and inverter-duty transformers, medium-frequency transformers, marine and offshore transformers, reactors, earthing transformers, auxiliary transformers, and other tailor-made
special transformer solutions.
One of our strongest areas is the railway sector. We produce traction transformers and related magnetic components for metro vehicles, high-speed trains, locomotives, trams, and regional trains. Today, our products are operating in many railway projects around the world, and this sector remains strategically very important for us.
In addition to traction, we are also highly active in industrial applications. Our transformers serve industries such as steel, mining, oil & gas, renewable energy, marine, automation, and heavy industry. Especially with the global growth of power electronics and energy conversion systems, the demand for converter and VSD transformers has increased significantly. These applications require high engineering capability because each project has unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical challenges.
The marine and offshore segment is another important area for us. We manufacture transformers for ships, offshore platforms, and demanding maritime environments where compactness, reliability, vibration resistance, and thermal performance are critical. One characteristic that defines Sönmez Trafo is our flexibility. Many of our products are project-based and engineered specifically according to customer requirements. Instead of mass production, we focus on high-engineering, customized solutions where reliability and long-term performance are essential.
Today, our products are exported to many countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other international markets. Working with global customers in highly technical industries has continuously pushed us to improve our engineering, production quality, and testing capabilities. As energy systems and transportation technologies continue to evolve, we also continue investing in new technologies, sustainable solutions, and advanced transformer applications for the future.
Out of curiosity, in how many countries are Sönmez transformers installed?
To be honest, I do not know the exact number today, but I can confidently say that Sönmez transformers are operating in more than 70 countries around the world. What is especially interesting is the diversity of locations and applications where our products can be found. Our transformers are working in projects ranging from Bermuda to Mauritius, from South Korea to Australia, and across many parts of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Sometimes even we are surprised by the final destinations of certain projects. In many cases, our direct customers are global companies from Europe, the United States, or Japan. We work closely with international system integrators, rolling stock manufacturers, industrial solution providers, EPC contractors, and technology companies. However, the final end users and project locations can be located almost anywhere in the world depending on where the trains, ships, industrial systems, or infrastructure projects are ultimately deployed.
For example, a transformer may be designed and ordered by a European customer, engineered together with teams in Germany or Switzerland, but eventually operate in a metro project in Asia, a marine application in Australia, or an industrial facility in Africa or the Caribbean. This global supply chain and international project structure make our business very dynamic and interesting.
The railway sector especially creates a very international footprint for us. Rolling stock manufacturers often export trains to completely different regions, which means our traction transformers can end up operating under very different climates and operating conditions — from extremely hot desert environments to humid tropical regions or cold northern climates.
This global presence is something we are very proud of because it reflects not only our export capability, but also the trust that international customers place in our engineering quality, reliability, and long-term partnerships. For a company that started as a family business in Türkiye, seeing our products operate across so many countries and industries is both motivating and rewarding.
Is there any project reference that you are particularly proud of? And why?
It is actually very difficult to select only one project because, in our business, every challenging project leaves a different memory and experience behind. In general, the projects I am most proud of are usually the technically difficult and unconventional ones — the projects that push our engineering, production, and testing capabilities beyond standard solutions.
One example is our work for CERN. Producing special magnetic components and coils for such a globally respected scientific research organization was a very special experience for us. This was also a project that I personally followed very closely. Similarly, contributing to the magnet projects of METU (Middle East Technical University) was another meaningful experience because these kinds of projects combine advanced engineering with scientific research and innovation. Another important milestone was our contribution to the ITER project, one of the world’s largest nuclear fusion research initiatives. For this project, we manufactured two highly specialized 76.4 MVA transformers with 72 kV insulation level and extremely high current ratings for nuclear research applications. These were not standard industrial transformers — they required very advanced engineering, thermal design, mechanical strength, and precision manufacturing capabilities. Successfully completing such a demanding project was a major source of pride for our entire team.
Of course, one of the most emotional and symbolic projects for us was TCG Anadolu, Türkiye’s largest and most prestigious naval platform. We supplied all transformers for the vessel from beginning to end. What makes this project even more special for me is the long journey behind it. The first quotation request came in 2008, and at that time the project almost felt like a dream. Years later, in 2017, we performed the Factory Acceptance Tests, and today the ship has become a major symbol of pride for Türkiye. Being part of such a historic national project is something we will always remember proudly.
There are also many smaller but technically fascinating projects that remain memorable for us. For example, supplying transformers feeding ABB drive systems in Zermatt, in the Swiss Alps, or manufacturing transformers operating at around 400 meters below sea level for the Arab Potash project in Jordan. Each environment creates unique engineering challenges, whether related to altitude, temperature, harmonics, cooling, corrosion, or operational reliability. I think this is one of the things that makes our industry so exciting. Every special transformer tells a different story. Some projects challenge electrical design, some mechanical endurance, some logistics, and some human creativity. Internally, we also try to share these success stories with our employees because we believe this sense of pride is very important. When people see that the transformer they produced is operating inside a globally important research center, on a naval platform, in the Alps, or in a unique industrial facility somewhere in the world, they feel connected to something much bigger. That motivation and emotional connection are very valuable for company culture and for future generations within the organization.
What was the most challenging transformer design that you have produced up to now?
It is difficult to identify a single “most challenging” transformer because different projects create different types of engineering challenges. Some projects are difficult because of electrical complexity, some because of thermal behavior, some because of mechanical forces, and others because reliability expectations are extremely high. However, I can say that some of the most technically complex transformers we have
produced were the grid simulator transformers manufactured for ABB. These projects are extremely demanding because grid simulation systems require very precise electrical behavior under highly dynamic operating conditions. In many cases, these transformers are used in advanced renewable energy and power electronics testing facilities. We have supplied similar transformers for important organizations and facilities such as IWES, Siemens Gamesa, and Kinectrics. These applications are far beyond conventional transformer operation. The transformers must tolerate very high harmonic content, rapid load variations, unusual frequency behavior, and extremely sensitive testing environments. Thermal management, stray losses, electromagnetic forces, insulation coordination, and vibration control all become critical engineering topics simultaneously.
In these kinds of projects, you are not simply designing a transformer to transfer power from one point to another. You are effectively designing a highly engineered component that becomes part of a sophisticated research and validation system. Every detail matters, and even small deviations can affect the overall system performance. Of course, the ITER project was also among the most challenging projects we have ever completed. Manufacturing two 76.4 MVA transformers for one of the world’s largest nuclear fusion research initiatives required exceptional engineering precision. The combination of high current levels, special operating conditions, mechanical stresses, and strict technical requirements made the project extremely demanding from both design and manufacturing perspectives.
Traction transformers are another category where complexity can become very
high. Railway applications combine electrical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental challenges all together. Transformers must operate reliably under vibration, shock, changing climates, limited space, and demanding duty cycles for many years without failure. Especially in modern converter-fed traction systems, harmonic behavior and insulation stresses become very critical.
Marine transformers can also be surprisingly difficult. Space limitations, weight optimization, vibration resistance, cooling challenges, humidity, salt atmosphere, and long-term reliability expectations all create unique design constraints.
Some projects are challenging not only technically, but also psychologically because they are “first-of-their-kind” applications where there is little room for error. These are the projects that force engineering teams to learn, innovate, and improve their capabilities. Personally, I always find these difficult projects the most rewarding as well. They push both the company and the engineers beyond standard routines. After successfully completing such projects, you gain not only technical experience, but also confidence and organizational maturity. Over the years, these kinds of special projects have become an important part of Sönmez Trafo’s engineering identity.
As I know, your company is also active in research. What research areas do you explore (if you are allowed to say)?
Research and innovation have always been an important part of Sönmez Trafo’s culture. In our industry, standing still is not really an option because technologies, applications, efficiency expectations, and customer requirements are constantly evolving. We believe innovation should not be seen as a one-time achievement, but as something that must continuously remain in the company’s DNA.
Historically, Sönmez Trafo has been involved in pioneering transformer technologies in Türkiye. For example, we were among the first companies in the country to manufacture converter transformers and dry-type transformers locally. At the beginning, these technologies were highly specialized and not widely known in the market. Over time, of course, competitors also learned and entered these areas, which is natural in any industry. That is why continuous development is so important — innovation cannot stop after one success.
Today, our research activities focus on several different areas. One important topic is advanced transformer design for increasingly complex applications. Modern power
systems now include much more power electronics, harmonic-rich environments,
renewable energy integration, converter systems, railway applications, and rapidly
changing operating conditions. These applications require transformer designs that are far more sophisticated than conventional solutions.
Another major research area is material technology. We continuously evaluate new magnetic materials, insulation systems, conductor technologies, cooling methods, and mechanical design approaches to improve efficiency, thermal performance, compactness, and long-term reliability. Even small improvements in material behavior can create significant advantages over the lifetime of a transformer.
Digitalization is also becoming increasingly important for our industry. We are exploring how digital tools, simulation technologies, advanced thermal and electromagnetic analysis, monitoring systems, and data-driven engineering methods can improve both product performance and manufacturing quality. Today, transformer design is no longer only about classical electrical engineering — it increasingly combines software, simulation, materials science, and system integration.
At the same time, we continue investing in engineering capability for highly customized and special transformers. Many of our projects involve non-standard operating conditions where conventional design approaches are not enough. These projects themselves often become a form of applied research because every new challenge expands our technical knowledge.
I think one of the most exciting parts of our industry is that even after 50 years, there is still so much room for development and learning. Energy systems are changing rapidly with electrification, renewable energy, transportation transformation, and sustainability requirements. As these systems evolve, transformer technology must also evolve together with them.
What are the current trends in the transformer business? How do you think that transformers will look like in 50 years from now?
The transformer industry is currently going through one of the busiest and most
dynamic periods in its history. Global electrification, renewable energy investments, railway expansion, industrial automation, electric mobility, and especially the rapid growth of data centers are creating enormous demand for transformers worldwide. In the past, the market was often heavily price-driven. Of course, cost will always remain important, but today we see that delivery time, engineering capability, reliability, and long-term quality are becoming much more critical factors. Many customers are struggling with long lead times, supply chain challenges, and increasing technical complexity in their systems. As a result, they are looking for partners who can deliver not only competitive pricing, but also stable quality, technical support, and dependable project execution.
This is also how we position ourselves as Sönmez Trafo. We believe that in the coming
years, companies that can combine strong engineering, flexible manufacturing, fast response times, and reliable quality standards will stand out more than companies
competing only on price.
Another important trend is the increasing role of power electronics in modern energy
systems. Renewable energy plants, battery systems, data centers, railway systems, HVDC technologies, and industrial drives all create much more harmonic-rich and dynamic operating environments than traditional grids. This means transformers are becoming more complex and application-specific.
Sustainability is also becoming a major driver. Customers increasingly expect higher efficiency, lower losses, environmentally friendly insulation systems, reduced noise levels, and optimized material usage. Regulations and environmental expectations will continue pushing the industry toward more efficient and sustainable solutions. Digitalization is another major trend. Monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, digital twins, advanced simulation tools, and data-based asset management are becoming more important every year. In the future, transformers will not only transfer energy, but also continuously provide operational data and health information to users and grid operators. If we look 50 years ahead, I believe transformers will still remain essential because the basic physics of electromagnetic energy transfer will not change. However, transformers will likely become smarter, more compact, more efficient, and more integrated with digital systems.
New insulation materials, advanced magnetic materials, AI-supported monitoring systems, and automated diagnostics may significantly change how transformers are designed, operated, and maintained. Production technologies may also evolve dramatically with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing methods. At the same time, despite all technological evolution, I think one thing will remain unchanged: reliability will continue to be the most important expectation in our industry. A transformer is still one of the most critical components in any electrical system, and customers will always value products that can operate safely and reliably for decades. That is why, even while technologies evolve, the core principles of engineering quality, experience, and trust will remain extremely important in the transformer business.
What are the key factors that make your company successful?
I believe one of the most important factors behind our company’s success is our long-term way of thinking. We have never tried to build the company around short-term financial targets only. Of course, profitability is necessary for every business, but for us, sustainable relationships, engineering quality, trust, and reputation have always been more important than chasing quick gains.
In our industry, products operate for decades under very demanding conditions. Because of this, customers want to work with companies that truly stand behind their products. I think one of the strongest characteristics of Sönmez Trafo is that we always take ownership of what we produce. We do not see a transformer simply as a product that is shipped and forgotten. We see it as a long-term responsibility.
This mentality also shapes our relationships with customers and partners. Many of our business relationships have continued for decades because trust builds slowly over
time. Especially in technically challenging industries such as railway, marine, industrial
drives, or energy infrastructure, customers value reliability and commitment very
highly.
Another important factor is pride in the work itself. I always believe that making money is actually the easier part in business. The more difficult and meaningful part is doing your work properly, proudly, and with real ownership. If people only focus on financial results, it becomes difficult to create a lasting company culture. But when employees, engineers, managers, and even suppliers feel emotionally connected to what they produce, the quality naturally becomes stronger.
At Sönmez Trafo, we try to create this culture of ownership and responsibility. We encourage our teams to understand not only the technical side of their work, but also the impact of the projects they contribute to. When people see that the transformer they manufactured is operating inside a train, a ship, a research center, or a critical industrial facility somewhere in the world, they feel part of something meaningful.
Flexibility and engineering capability are also very important strengths for us. Since many of our projects are highly customized, we have learned to adapt quickly to different technical requirements and customer expectations. This flexibility helps us compete globally even against much larger companies. At the same time, being a family company has also contributed positively in some ways. It allows us to think with a longer horizon and make decisions with continuity in mind rather than focusing only on short-term market fluctuations.
Finally, I think humility and continuous learning are essential. Even after 50 years, we still see ourselves as a company that must continue improving every day. Technology changes, markets change, customer expectations change — and companies must keep evolving as well.
What are your personal drivers that keep you motivated in your daily work?
The biggest motivation for me is simply that I truly enjoy what I do. I think this is very important because work takes up such a large part of our lives. When you spend most of your time in a company, it cannot be just a job — you need to feel connected to it emotionally as well.
For me, Sönmez Trafo is not only a workplace. It is a place where I grew up, learned, developed relationships, and shared experiences over many years. Many of the people I work with every day have been part of the company for a very long time, and in many ways they feel like a second family. This creates a very different atmosphere compared to a purely corporate environment.
Another major source of motivation is working together with my brother, Oluş. We are very close personally, and over the years we have also developed a strong professional harmony while managing the company together. Of course, in every business there are discussions and different opinions sometimes, but having mutual trust and similar values makes a huge difference. I think this balance and teamwork between us is one of the important strengths of the company as well.
I am also motivated by the technical and international nature of our work. Every project
is different. One day you may be discussing a railway project in Europe, another day a marine application, a research transformer, or a highly customized industrial solution for another part of the world. This variety keeps the work intellectually exciting and prevents routine from taking over.
At the same time, I enjoy seeing tangible results. In our industry, you can physically see what your team has designed and manufactured. You know that the transformer leaving the factory will become part of a train, a ship, a research center, a power system, or an industrial plant somewhere in the world. That feeling of creating something real and lasting is very satisfying.
Another important motivation is continuity — the feeling of carrying forward something built over generations while also improving and modernizing it for the future. There is both responsibility and pride in that.
And finally, I think curiosity keeps me motivated. Technology, energy systems, transporta-tion, and industrial applications are constantly evolving. There is always something new to learn, a new challenge to solve, or a new idea to explore. That continuous development makes the work dynamic and meaningful for me.
How will you celebrate the 50-years anniversary?
We actually already started celebrating our 50th anniversary, because for us this milestone is not just a single event, but the celebration of a long journey built over generations together with our employees, customers, suppliers, and partners.
One of the first things we prepared was a special 50th anniversary video.
In this video, we wanted to reflect not only our products and projects, but also the idea that transformers are silently part of everyday life everywhere around us. Our motto for this year is “Keeps Life in Motion,” and the video tries to show how energy and transportation systems connect to daily life through the technologies we produce.
In addition, we organized a large anniversary event in Istanbul where we hosted
many of our international customers, business partners, suppliers, and friends from the industry. The celebration included factory visits, technical discussions, networking events, and a gala evening. For us, it was very important that the event was not only ceremonial, but also personal and emotional — bringing together people who have been part of our journey over many years.
We also prepared a special 50th anniversary book. This project became much more than a simple corporate publication. It includes the history of the company, memories from different generations, key milestones, important projects, old photographs, and the evolution of both the company and the transformer industry over five decades. While working on the book, we ourselves rediscovered many stories that had almost been forgotten over time. Beyond these, we are continuing various communication activities throughout the year, including social media projects, interviews, customer meetings, internal employee events, and special anniversary materials. We also see this anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen our company culture and to transfer our experience and values to younger generations within the organization.
At the same time, the 50th anniversary is not only about looking back at the past. It is also about looking forward. While celebrating what has been achieved over the last five decades, we are also discussing the future of energy systems, electrification, railway technologies, sustainability, and advanced transformer applications. In many ways, this anniversary became a moment of reflection, gratitude, and motivation for the future.
Final words from the interviewer
Thank you, Oguz, for the interesting talk. We wish you, your family and the entire Sönmez Trafo company happy, successful and prosperous decades ahead!
References
[1] VFD transformers – Introduction, MB Drive Services, November 2019, available online, https://mb-drive-services.com/vfd-transformers-introduction/
[2] Top five manufacturers of converter transformers, MB Drive Services, February 2022, available online, https://mb-drive-services.com/top-5-manufacturers-of-converter-transformers/
[3] Sönmez Trafo – manufacturer’s homepage, https://sonmeztrafo.com.tr/
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