W&O, one of the world’s largest suppliers of marine valves, pipe, fittings, engineered products, valve automation and data management systems, announced today that it has expanded its operations into Turkey through a strategic partnership with Simsekler, one of the leading marine supply companies in Turkey. W&O’s products will now be available to customers in Turkey through Simsekler, significantly expanding the technological capability and overall scope of marine products that Simsekler offers shipyards throughout the country.

With more than 70 operating shipyards in the country, Turkey is the eighth top producer of new ships in the world and is involved in numerous repair projects, which provides tremendous potential for W&O’s international growth initiatives as it expands into southern Europe.

“Establishing operations in Turkey through our partnership with Simsekler is a key component in cultivating a future network of distribution points throughout southern Europe, which is an important step in achieving our long-term global growth objectives,” said Kristof Adam, Managing Director of W&O’s European operations. “Simsekler has a very positive reputation within the Turkish marine industry and our partnership will allow both of our companies to grow and better service this very important geographical segment within the international marine industry.”

Simsekler, with more than 34 years of experience in the industry, is based in Istanbul and will supply W&O valves, pipe, fittings, engineered products and valve automation packages to shipyards focusing on new-build and repair projects throughout Turkey. W&O will also provide technical support to Simsekler and its customers, providing an additional level of service to Simsekler’s customer base.

“Our knowledge of the marine industry in our country and our experience with the local customers and their needs, combined with W&O’s technical experience and breadth of available products, creates an optimal partnership that will provide our customers with more options and better service,” said Erhan Unlu, Sales Manager of Simsekler. “This partnership is a win-win situation for us, for W&O, and for the marine industry in Turkey.”

For more information about the products available in Turkey through Simsekler and for more information about the company, please contact Simsekler at (0 232) 478 18 32.

About W&O

Founded in 1975, W&O is one of the world’s largest suppliers of valves, pipe, fittings, engineered products, valve automation and data management systems for the marine and offshore industries. Serving a variety of customers around the world, W&O operates a network of 19 branches throughout North America, South America and Europe from its corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information about W&O, visit www.wosupply.com.