After graduating from Edirne High School in 1962, Tevfik Mağara entered Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Electricity in 1963 and graduated as an Electrical Engineer in 1972. During his student years, he worked as an assistant employer and production supervisor in factories producing artificial leather and floor linoleum in order to gain production experience.
In 1972, after graduation, he started working as a trainee engineer at the Turkish Electricity Authority (TEK) Adapazarı Network Directorate. At that time, Turkey was experiencing serious supply problems due to the American embargo; many electrical equipment could not be imported.
His colleagues at TEK, who were not engineers, had attempted to produce indigenous circuit breakers using spare parts on hand, but these attempts could not be sustained. Mağara took on the responsibility of systematically carrying out these efforts and, through his selfless efforts, succeeded in producing prototypes of the first indigenous MV circuit breakers.
“The products created during this period were sent to KEMA laboratories for testing. Although the first trials did not yield the expected results, Mağara identified three main solutions based on this experience:
1. Make a know-how agreement with a well-known brand,
2. Establish technical cooperation with a well-known brand,
3. To produce certified products by testing all parameters in an international laboratory. As the third path was long and costly, this goal could only be realized years later, during the BATEL period.
1976 yılında Adapazarı’ndan ayrılarak Disaş A.Ş.’nin kuruluşunda yer aldı. Şirketin ilk genel kurulunda, üretilecek kesicilerin teknik iş birliği ile geliştirilmesini ve zamanla yerli teknolojinin oluşturulmasını önerdi. Bu öneri kabul gördü ve kısa süre içinde Romanya merkezli Electroputere firması ile teknik iş birliği anlaşması yapıldı. Bu anlaşma çerçevesinde, yurtiçinde üretilebilecek parçalar Disaş tarafından üretiliyor, diğer bileşenler Electroputere’den tedarik ediliyordu. İki yıl içinde Disaş, %100 yerli üretim seviyesine ulaşmayı başardı.
During the Disaş period, Tevfik Mağara played a pioneering role in international technical collaborations, technology transfers and the establishment of quality standards. The products developed during this period were the first examples that reduced Turkey's foreign dependence on medium and high voltage technologies:
- 6-36 kV Silicon Carbide Resistive Jump Interval Surge Arrester
- 7.2-36 kV Low Oil Breaker
- 7.2-36 kV SF₆ Gas Breaker
- 72.5-170 kV SF₆ Gas Breaker
- Surge Arrester for 72.5-170-380 kV Transmission Systems
- 72.5-170 kV High Voltage Disconnector
- 7.2-36 kV Vacuum Breaker
- 6-36 kV Metal Oxide Resistive Surge Arrester
This production range was such an important stage in the history of Turkish electrical engineering that it will be remembered as the birth of domestic medium voltage technology. Working at an intense production pace, Tevfik Mağara and his team created a production capacity that shaped the sector in a short time with a working discipline of up to 16 hours most days.
In 1988, Disaş was taken over by the French-based Merlin Gerin (later Schneider Electric). As per the takeover agreement, Tevfik Mağara committed not to operate in the sector for three years. During this period, he was in charge of technical affairs at the İzmir Atatürk Organized Industrial Zone Directorate. He played an active role in the establishment of electricity, telecom and wastewater infrastructure, as well as the planning and realization of Turkey's first natural gas power plant.
In February 1990, during two nights of evaluation in Manisa Spil Mountain, the idea of “transferring the technical experience and engineering know-how gained to future generations” matured. This decision paved the way for the establishment of BATEL Elektromekanik A.Ş. in 1991.
The first goal of the organization was to develop the 36 kV SF₆ gas circuit breaker design. The aim was to establish a sustainable production model through component production instead of selling the technology directly. In line with this strategy, cooperation was initiated with Temsan (Ankara) and Demitaş (Düzce). In this context, a new SF₆ gas cutter design was created by integrating SF₆ gas poles into low-oil cutter mechanisms. Although Temsan successfully completed the tests, the tender was awarded to another company with a lower bid. However, that company's products were soon recalled, confirming BATEL's sound engineering approach.
The cooperation with Demitaş lasted until 2006. During this period, BATEL developed a working culture based on mutual sustainability with the principle of “Demitaş must live so that Batel can live, Batel must live so that Demitaş can live”.
According to Mr. Mağara, since its foundation, BATEL's goal has been to expand its product range by developing new products and to systematically transfer its profits to R&D. Tevfik Mağara has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BATEL since 1998.
Today, thanks to the vision of its founder, BATEL has become a brand that combines the engineering experience of the past with the electrification needs of the future, producing innovative and sustainable solutions.
Murat ALPARSLAN
“True success is the result of patient work and uncompromising honesty.”
Born in 1951 in Çumra district of Konya, Murat Alparslan's journey to electrical engineering began in 1969 when he graduated from the Konya Art Institute Electrical Department. Alparslan entered Yıldız Istanbul State Academy of Engineering and Architecture (IDMMA) in the 1969-1970 academic year and graduated from the Department of Electrical Engineering in 1972-1973.
Alparslan studied at the academy for two years on scholarship for the Turkish Electricity Authority (TEK) and worked at the Adapazarı Load Dispatch Center (YTM) between 1973 and 1975, and at the Bursa Regional Chief Engineer's Office between 1975 and 1982.
1982 yılında TEK’teki görevinden ayrılarak İzmir’de kurulu DİSAŞ fabrikasında orta gerilim az yağlı kesici imalatına katıldı. 1982-1989 yılları arasında, daha önce yurt dışından ithal edilen teknolojiyi %100 yerli üretime dönüştürmek için çalıştı. Bu süreçte Türkiye’de ilk defa yerli az yağlı ve ardından SF6’lı orta gerilim ürünlerinin yurt dışı tip testlerini başarıyla gerçekleştirerek azmini ispat etti.
In 1989, when DISAŞ was sold to the French, he left the company and worked at Ankara-based Güneş Elektrik A.Ş. between 1989 and 1990. Here, he was the project manager of 154 kV GIS (Gas Insulated Substations) projects and other 154-380 kV substations, which were being installed for the first time in Turkey and Izmir.
In 1989, Batel A.Ş. was established with three partners on a 250 m² parcel on 10024 Street in İzmir Atatürk Organized Industrial Zone (IAOSB). The first goal was to utilize their accumulated knowledge and experience in the manufacture of SF6 gas interrupters, disconnectors and load breakers in medium voltage and to bring new domestic products to the market.
Between 1990 and 1996, he worked as Electrical Works Supervisor at Bayındır İnşaat A.Ş. He managed the relocation, project and installation works of highway lighting, tolling, communication, power transmission and telecom infrastructures in the İzmir-Çeşme highway project of Bayındır İnşaat, the first local company in Turkey to undertake highway projects.
Between 1996 and 1998, he worked as project manager in the project of Demirer Kablo for the implementation of the first 154 kV underground cable manufacturing in Turkey to TEİAŞ in Izmir. As a result of this project, he was proud that 154 kV cable laying standard was accepted as “Demirer Kablo Standard”.
Between 1998 and 2000, he became a partner in BM Elektrik, a company owned by his brother-in-law, where he was responsible for the implementation of various telecommunication and industrial projects.
Between 2000 and 2015, he undertook the contracting works of Demirer Kablo at ARK Yapı, headquartered in Istanbul. During this period, he was the coordinator of 154 kV and 380 kV cable installation projects, especially all electrical works of the 80,000-seat Atatürk Olympic Stadium.
At Batel A.Ş., which he co-founded in 1989, he has been involved in all R&D projects since its establishment. In addition, he continues to carry out quality control processes with his team to ensure that the products are produced without any compromise.
Today, Murat Alparslan continues to work as Technical Director at Batel Elektromekanik, sharing his knowledge and experience with young engineers.
Ertuğrul PALA
Born in 1959 in Buca, Izmir, Ertuğrul Pala's journey in the field of electricity began in 1978 when he graduated from Çınarlı Industrial Vocational High School. Following his graduation, he fulfilled his patriotic duty in 1979 and after completing his military service, he started working as a technician at DISAS in 1981.
In 1989, when DİSAŞ was sold, he left the company and moved to the electricity business within IAOSB. Here, he was responsible for the maintenance of 41 substations and transmission lines and the operation of the system. The experience he gained during this period gave him the opportunity to apply his technical knowledge in the field.
The year 1991 marked a new turning point in his career. With the establishment of Batel Elektromekanik, he became the head of the company and led all the processes from the first day of the establishment. Today, he still serves as a Board Member at Batel, contributing to the company's development both as a founder and as a manager.
Cevdet ŞENKAL
“The secret to a successful and happy career is to work tirelessly, stay honest and always look for better.”
Born in 1949 in the Cihangir neighborhood of Istanbul, Cevdet Şenkal spent his youth in the Salacak neighborhood of Üsküdar. In 1966, after graduating from Istanbul Haydarpaşa High School, he enrolled in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Middle East Technical University and completed his engineering degree in 1973.
Mr. Şenkal started his career as an electrical engineer at the Ankara Municipality EGO General Directorate in August 1973 and worked first as a project engineer and then as a shift engineer in the electrical fault service until the end of 1975. In early 1976, he started working as a responsible engineer at the Adapazarı headquarters of the Turkish Electricity Authority and served in this position until April 1977.
In 1977, Tevfik Mağara, who had previously left TEK Adapazarı, joined Disaş A.Ş. in Izmir. This journey, which started in İzmir 2nd Industrial Site, continued in 1980 when the factory moved to Kemalpaşa. Until the end of 1988, Şenkal took part in the development of Disaş as assistant general manager;
- 6-36 kV Silicon Carbide Resistive Jump Interval Surge Arrester,
- 7.2-36 kV Low Oil Breaker,
- 7,2-36 kV SF₆ Gas Breaker,
- 72.5-170 kV SF₆ Gas Breaker,
- Surge Arrester for 72,5-170-380 kV Electricity Transmission Systems,
- 72.5-170 kV High Voltage Disconnector,
- 7.2-36 kV Vacuum Breaker,
- He led the efforts for the realization of overseas technical cooperation, technology transfers, production processes and quality targets of 6-36 kV Metal Oxide Resistive Surge Arrester products.
At the end of 1988, after Disaş was sold to France-based Merlin Gerin (later Schneider Electric) together with the SF₆ gas circuit breaker investments, he continued his duty at Schneider Electric. He worked as production manager between 1988 and 1992, as technical and quality manager between 1992 and 1996, and as medium voltage market study and planning manager between 1996 and 2009. He retired from this company in June 2009.
In July 2009, Şenkal started working as the general manager of Izmir-based Politek A.Ş. and joined Batel A.Ş. as technical coordinator on the same date. He is still in this position and continues to share his technical knowledge and experience with young engineers.
Today, Cevdet Şenkal, who has assumed important roles in different areas of the public and private sectors in his professional life of more than 50 years, continues to contribute to the technical vision of Batel Elektromekanik.
Ali Öge ERDİNÇ
“Engineering is not just doing calculations; it is the courage to produce solutions in the field.”
Born in 1954 in Menemen, Izmir, Ali Öge Erdinç's journey to electrical engineering began when he entered Ankara State Academy of Engineering and Architecture (ADMMA) in the 1971-1972 academic year. He completed his internship in the fall semester of 1974-1975 and graduated from the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Erdinç started his professional career at İskenderun Iron and Steel Works in 1976 and gained his first experience in the field by taking part in the commissioning process of the assembled units in the billet and profile rolling mills.
In 1978, upon his return from military service, he participated in the production of medium voltage surge arresters at DİSAŞ factory in Izmir. In 1989, with the transfer of DISAŞ to the French company Merlin Gerin, he undertook the quality control of medium voltage SF6 gas FB4 breakers and high voltage laboratory operation.
In 1991, he took an active role in the technical transfer of 36BX type medium voltage air insulated switchgears from France and took part in the realization of production activities in Kemalpaşa factory. This process was an important turning point in terms of bringing international technology to production in Turkey.
In 1992, when Merlin Gerin joined Schneider Electric, Erdinç continued his career within Schneider Electric and took part in the work study office studies for cell works under the roof of technical service. Between 1992 and 2006, he successfully carried out various design, product development and technical responsibility tasks.
In 2006, he joined the Batel Elektromekanik family and took part in the vacuum flask domestic production project. This work made significant contributions to the development of domestic production capacity in Turkey.
In 2008, Erdinç rejoined Schneider Electric and worked as a product technical specialist. Between 2012-2018, he worked as technical manager in SF and LF breakers, SM6-36 and Premset product groups in coordination with technical services in France.
Since 2018, Ali Öge Erdinç, who has been working as a technical expert at Batel Elektromekanik, has been taking an active role in R&D projects and continues to share his knowledge and experience with young engineers.
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