Turkish quarrying company Örgün Kalsit is celebrating over four decades of unwavering trust in Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and its dealer partner, Ascendum Makina, ensuring seamless and efficient operations in limestone and calcite production.
For over half a century, Örgün Kalsit has been a cornerstone of Turkey’s quarrying industry. Founded in 1966 by Harun Örgün in Bursa, the family-run company has built a reputation for excellence in limestone and calcite production. Today, the business is helmed by the next generation, including Hakan Örgün, who oversees the quarry operation and calcite department. Under his leadership, the company continues to thrive, supported by its 41-year relationship with Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and Turkish dealer Ascendum Makina.
Örgün Kalsit specialises in extracting and processing limestone, crushed stone, and minerals, with calcite being its most valuable product. This essential raw material is widely used across various industries, from plastics to glass.
“Calcite is indispensable,” Hakan Örgün says. “There is no plastic without this product. Even eggshells are made of this stone.”
Örgün Kalsit maintains a robust and consistent annual production capacity of approximately 500,000 tonnes. This includes 250,000 tons of high-quality calcite and an additional 250,000 tons of waste rock. The company’s advanced extraction methods and operational efficiency ensure that it consistently meets market demand while maintaining quality control throughout the production cycle.
The extraction process at Örgün Kalsit is carried out using modern drilling and controlled blasting techniques, designed to maximise resource recovery while minimising environmental impact. Blasting is typically performed on a weekly basis, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. Following extraction, the material undergoes primary processing to separate valuable calcite from the waste rock, ensuring the final product meets the strict specifications required by industrial clients.
Örgün Kalsit primarily serves large-scale corporate clients operating in the construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Approximately 95% of the company’s output is distributed to businesses located in the Marmara, Aegean, and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey. These long-standing partnerships reflect the company’s commitment to quality, reliability, and on-time delivery, making it a trusted supplier in the domestic market.
Every day at Örgün Kalsit’s quarry begins with a rigorous operational check. Örgün and his team work closely to ensure seamless production, from excavation to processing. If needed, he even takes the wheel of a Volvo wheeled loader himself – an experience that has given him firsthand appreciation for the brand’s reliability and operator comfort.
Örgün Kalsit’s relationship with Volvo CE began in 1983, when it purchased its first Volvo machine, which remains in active operation to this day. Over the decades, the company has steadily expanded its Volvo fleet, which now includes two 40-tonne excavators and six wheeled loaders.
“Our loyalty to Volvo is simple: durability, fuel efficiency, and operator comfort,” Örgün says. “The cabin comfort is especially important, and since I use the machines myself, I can personally vouch for it.”
Highlighting Volvo’s power and flexibility, Örgün recalls a challenging moment when he had to tow a truck that had sunk into deep mud. “The machine sank up to the driver’s cab,” he says. “But thanks to Volvo’s strength, I managed to get out. I’ll never forget that.”
The company also benefits from highly competent and responsive service support provided by Volvo CE’s dealer partner in Turkey, Ascendum Makina. “We have an agreement with Volvo service, and Ascendum follows the maintenance schedule precisely,” Örgün explains. “They come on time and take care of everything, allowing our business to run without interruption.”
Looking ahead, Örgün Kalsit remains committed to Volvo CE and Ascendum Makina as strategic partners in its continued success. “We have never given up on Volvo in 41 years, and we won’t start now,” Örgün affirms. “We trust these machines, and we recommend them to our friends in the industry.”
“Our long-standing partnership with Örgün Kalsit is built on mutual trust and consistent support. We operate not just as a machinery supplier, but as a solution partner focused on enhancing operational efficiency. Providing uninterrupted productivity through our after-sales services, scheduled maintenance plans, and technical training is our top priority,” says Serhan Özkan, marketing manager at Ascendum Makina.
With a legacy of quality and reliability, Örgün Kalsit is poised to continue shaping Turkey’s limestone quarrying sector for generations to come, powered by Volvo.
EXPANSION PLAN
Örgün Kalsit tells Aggregates Business it has a “clear and strategic” expansion plan. In 2024, the company launched a project to extend its quarrying operations by an additional three hectares. The necessary permits for this expansion were officially approved in the first quarter of 2025. This growth initiative is part of Örgün Kalsit’s broader long-term vision to increase production capacity, meet rising market demand, and optimise resource extraction within the licensed area.
Asked by Aggregates Business about whether parts of Örgün Kalsit’s quarry are being restored at the end of their life, and the company’s wider sustainability work, Örgün says: “As part of its environmental stewardship, Örgün Kalsit rehabilitates areas of the quarry that are no longer in use or where mineral resources have been exhausted. These zones are gradually reforested and restored to their natural state. The company sees this as a critical responsibility—contributing positively to the environment and supporting biodiversity while setting an example for sustainable mining practices in the region.
“Sustainability is a core pillar of Örgün Kalsit’s corporate philosophy. The company holds internationally recognised certifications including ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and ISO 18001 (Environmental Management). These certifications underscore Örgün Kalsit’s commitment to maintaining safe working conditions, ensuring consistent product quality, and operating in an environmentally responsible manner. The company actively seeks to minimise its ecological footprint while delivering long-term value to stakeholders and the communities in which it operates.”
