ISTANBUL
Turkish modular construction company Karmod plans to establish a new operations center in the US in 2026 as it seeks to expand exports amid rising global demand and shifting trade dynamics.
“Because of the trade war with China, confidence in Türkiye has increased in the US market, and this has had a positive impact on demand,” Karmod General Manager Ensar Cankaya told Anadolu. “We have a major investment project planned for the US in 2026.”
Operating in 135 countries, Karmod accelerated its activities in the second quarter of 2025 as global demand strengthened, Cankaya said. The company aims to further expand its export capacity next year.
Karmod has already increased exports to Europe, North Africa and Central Asia and now plans to shift a larger share of its shipments to the US as well as to Kazakhstan and Russia.
The company recorded its strongest growth this year in Central Africa, driven by rising demand for housing and schools. Cankaya said large-scale housing needs are increasingly being met by high-capacity manufacturers as demand for fast, disaster-ready construction grows.
“In Africa, housing and school demand has surged. In the US, disaster housing sensitivity has increased. Our products can be delivered quickly after earthquakes, hurricanes or tsunamis, which is driving demand,” he said.
New product launches planned for 2026
Karmod produces prefabricated, steel and container structures along with cabins, plastic and composite products, water tanks and security units. The company is actively involved in construction for the mining, education and health care sectors, including schools, offices and worksite buildings.
Demand for prefabricated steel housing rose sharply in 2025 as customers sought faster, more sustainable and carbon-efficient construction, Cankaya said.
"European buyers in particular are placing greater emphasis on certified quality standards and advanced production technologies," he added.
Cankaya said Karmod plans to introduce a “third-generation container series” next year which will allow modular building blocks to be assembled and relocated without the need for traditional installation.
“These containers will function like movable Lego blocks. They can be lifted and relocated without assembly. We have already adjusted our production system accordingly,” he said.
The company also plans new launches in steel housing, focusing on modern design, improved insulation and higher aesthetic standards. Engineering and technical teams have completed development work.
New production facility in Türkiye
To meet rising demand, Karmod has completed the construction of a new manufacturing facility in the Orhanli industrial zone of Tuzla, near Istanbul. Relocation is expected to begin by the end of the year.
The new plant will boost capacity, especially in composite and plastic products. Cankaya said the company prioritizes domestic investment to strengthen production lines and expand employment.
Karmod is also investing in digitalization and automation, including an artificial intelligence-supported measurement and analytics system integrated with its enterprise resource planning platform to identify production bottlenecks and improve efficiency.