At 92 years old, Ergün Erünal, founder of Ayer Tarım—one of Turkey's largest nurseries—still visits the greenhouse he established 32 years ago. Founded in 1992, Ayer Tarım emerged when only a few locally or Israeli-made greenhouses existed in the region. Shortly before finalizing the purchase of a 15,000 m² greenhouse, a heavy snowfall destroyed many existing structures. Determined to find a sturdier and higher-quality solution, Erünal sought out a reliable partner, leading to his collaboration with Pierre Richel and Richel Group.
Born in 1932 in Istanbul, Erünal graduated in Civil Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in 1956. His early career included stream rehabilitation projects in the Black Sea region and construction developments in Eskişehir. After the May 24, 1960 revolution halted public tenders, Erünal moved to France to study and work before returning to Turkey. Back home, he resumed his construction activities until 1974.
His career then took a new direction when he applied expertise gained in France to Turkey's tourism industry. Serving the country's most prestigious hotels, he introduced the innovative camping-caravan and bungalow model to Beldibi in 1982. By 1992, at age 60, when many consider retirement, Erünal ventured into agriculture, founding Ayer Tarım.
Brice Richel, Sales Director for Richel Group in the CIS, Middle East, and Africa, reflects on their longstanding partnership: "I've known this man since I was a child; he and his wife would visit my grandparents in France. We shared family meals together." Richel describes Ayer Tarım's facilities as a living museum of Richel Group's greenhouse history, from the original 8m bay width multi span with 3m height under gutter installed in 1993 to the modern 12.8m with a ridge height of 8.50m built in 2008.
Despite the impressive longevity and corrosion-free condition of these greenhouses, it's Erünal himself who leaves the strongest impression. A man of profound wisdom and kindness, he believes in unity across nations and religions. On one visit, accompanied by Armenian partner Harut Sahakyan of Greenhouse Engineering, Erünal warmly welcomed the group, saying: "I have many Armenian friends from my time in Istanbul. Please explore our facilities and share in our expertise—there are no secrets among friends."
Today, Ayer Tarım produces 40 million young plants and over 500,000 anthuriums annually, supplying the Turkish market and exporting to Europe. Spanning 6 hectares of greenhouses, the company employs 120 people. Demonstrating a holistic approach, Ayer Tarım provides its employees with their own greenhouse spaces to grow vegetables for the company's canteen and their families.
"Ergün Erünal's journey, marked by resilience, innovation, and a spirit of collaboration, continues to inspire across industries and borders—a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy of excellence."
For more information:
Richel Group
Quartier de la gare
13810 Eygalieres, France
Tel.: +33 (0) 4 90 95 14 68
Email: [email protected]
www.richel-group.com
