Alapala Completes First 150 TPD Semolina Plant in Şanlıurfa

Credit: Alapala

Turkey’s one of leading food processing technology provider, Alapala, has completed the installation of a 150 tons-per-day semolina plant in Şanlıurfa, marking a historic milestone for a region widely regarded as the birthplace of wheat. Developed under Yigit Group’s investment, the project also includes a 500 tons-per-day flour mill, forming a modern production complex that merges advanced engineering with thousands of years of grain heritage.

Twelve thousand years ago, wheat was first cultivated, ground, and baked into bread in Şanlıurfa’s fertile plains. Today, the region celebrates the launch of its first modern semolina production facility, a meaningful step that reconnects ancient traditions with cutting-edge industrial capacity.

Şanlıurfa, home to 338 native wheat varieties, now has the infrastructure to translate its agricultural richness into high-value products. Yiğit Group’s strategic investment, combined with Alapala’s engineering expertise, has resulted in a landmark project that positions the region as a rising hub for semolina, flour, pasta, and noodle production.

The new facility, delivered by Alapala International as a turnkey project, has a daily semolina production capacity of 150 tons and a flour milling line capable of processing 500 tons per day. The entire operation runs through fully automated PLC and SCADA-controlled systems. Designed to process local wheat varieties such as Zivago, Dariel, Burgaz, and Ovidio, the plant enables the production of high-protein, natural, and sustainable food products. Built to meet European standards, the complex emphasizes hygiene, energy efficiency, and product consistency, introducing a new level of industrial capability to the region.

Yiğit Group Chairman Ömer Yiğit emphasized the cultural and economic value of the project, stating that establishing the first flour and semolina factory in Şanlıurfa — the homeland of 338 wheat varieties — is a source of great pride. He noted that the investment, carried out in partnership with Alapala, will help transform the efforts of local farmers into high-value finished products, providing a meaningful boost to both the regional economy and Türkiye’s export potential.

Görkem Alapala, CEO of Alapala Holding A.Ş., highlighted the historical importance of the project by saying that it represents a major step in uniting Şanlıurfa’s agricultural heritage with modern industry. He added that Alapala is proud to have built the region’s semolina and flour production facilities and to carry the abundance of Anatolia from its ancient lands to tables around the world.

Export-Oriented and Sustainable Growth

Starting in June 2024, Yiğit Group will begin producing semolina, flour, pasta, and noodles under the Perilla, Ovella, and Makaliya brands, all featuring a 14 percent protein content. A substantial share of this production will be exported to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, generating an estimated 65 million US dollars annually for Turkey’s economy.