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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.

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Burdur Tractor Factory

Establishment

1975

Commencement of Operations

1976

Closure

1984

Burdur Tractor Factory (Bur-Trak) was established in 1975 with the aim of meeting Türkiye's agricultural mechanization needs through local production and began operations in 1976. During the establishment process, contributions were made by Speaker of the Assembly Nevzat Akdemir and Board Chairman Nurettin Boyacıoğlu, and the opening took place during the tenure of Board Chairman Vahittin Uzelli.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Japanese company IHI-Shibaura, Bur-Trak produced Türkiye's first two-wheel drive tractor. The factory aimed to contribute to both the agricultural sector and regional development through its high production capacity.


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Economic Changes and the Factory Closure

In the late 1970s, Türkiye faced economic difficulties due to rising foreign debt and inflation. As a result, on 24 January 1980, decisions were made to transition to a free market model in the economy. Under these decisions, imports were liberalized, state support for industry was gradually withdrawn, and local producers were forced to compete directly with international competitors.

These economic changes increased Bur-Trak's costs and weakened its competitiveness, leading to a rise in the market share of imported tractors. By 1983, production at the factory had declined, and the Burdur Tractor Factory was officially closed in 1984. The closure was attributed to changes in economic policies, increased market share of imported products, and the termination of state support.

Transfer of the Factory Site

After the factory's closure, the Bur-Trak site was transferred to the Ministry of Justice, where a goat farm was established under the Burdur E-Type Closed and Open Prison Execution Institution Work Yard Directorate. Breeding of breeding goats began at this farm, contributing to regional livestock activities.

Bibliographies

Burdur Ticaret of Commerce and Industry. "Odamız." Accessed April 2, 2025.https://www.butso.org.tr/odamiz

Hürriyet. "40 Yıl Önce Çekilen Reklam Filmi Sosyal Medyada Gündem Oldu." Accessed April 2, 2025.https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/yerel-haberler/burdur/40-yil-once-cekilen-reklam-filmi-sosyal-medyada-42205369.

Istanbul University. "Burdur Traktör Fabrikası’nın Kuruluşu ve Kapanışı." Accessed April 2, 2025.https://nek.istanbul.edu.tr/ekos/TEZ/19475.pdf.

Milliyet. "40 Yıl Önce Çekilen Reklam Filmi Sosyal Medyada Gündem Oldu." Accessed April 2, 2025.https://www.milliyet.com.tr/yerel-haberler/burdur/40-yil-once-cekilen-reklam-filmi-sosyal-medyada-6889322.

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AuthorAhmet ErenJuly 14, 2026 at 2:39 PM

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Contents

  • Economic Changes and the Factory Closure

  • Transfer of the Factory Site