Earthquake Turkey also affects companies here
An aid campaign is being launched from the head office, with the collection of goods and the donation of money.
Vandewiele in Marke is a global player in machines and parts for the textile industry, from yarn extrusion to carpet weaving. One of the rooms in the experience center bears the name Gaziantep. Vandewiele has a service center in the city of millions that was severely affected by Monday’s earthquake.
Mario Vansuyt, coordinator of the aid campaign: “The need is great. Today I had a colleague from Turkey on the phone. Judging by his voice, it was not so good. There is cold, destruction up to and including. We cannot imagine how that’s what it’s all about. But the service center has remained intact and in the first days it also functioned as a reception center, a help center for the people.”
Carpet industry capital
Gaziantep is the capital of the carpet industry. Vandewiele is now starting a collection for relief supplies and also money for the victims of the earthquake among the 600 employees in Marke. “The first thing our colleague asked for was blankets, something to keep people warm. That’s why we also call on the staff to donate blankets, pampers, infant food if they have it available. There is also a need for food, which can be bought it’s best on site. Because the truck is on the road for a few days. Hence the need for money, financial resources, so that they can buy food there on site.”
Everything will go to Turkey next week. At least two other West Flemish textile companies have a production unit near Gaziantep: including Euro-tapis from Beveren-Leie and Flemish Textiles Company from Kortrijk.