IPAF partners with Turkish association

Euan Youdale Editor, Access International

18 December 2023

IPAF and Turkey’s MEWP association Platformder have signed an agreement aimed at enhancing safety, training and standards in the Turkish powered access industry.

Collaboration between the two non-profit associations began three years ago with a memorandum of understanding, leading to the formal agreement signed in December 2023 bySaruhan Gunaydın, President of Platformder and Romina Vanzi, Head of Regional Development at IPAF. The partnership comes into effect in January 2024.

It marks an historic moment for IPAF, said the asasociation, as it marks the first time it has designated a national association as its dealer/agency. The collaboration widens IPAF’s strategy to integrate with local associations, fostering a dual-local and international presence.

Saruhan Gunaydın, President of Platformder, said, “We are honoured to be the first national association that IPAF has chosen to partner with in this unique capacity. This agreement represents an opportunity for Platformder to provide our Turkish members with access to world-leading guidelines in the MEWP sector and deliver top quality training programs.”

Historic partnership

The collaboration encompasses a range of initiatives, including the co-branding of training materials, translation of essential documents, and the adaptation of IPAF’s training portal for the Turkish audience. Abdullah Tuncer, Deputy Secretary-General of Platformder, has been appointed as the IPAF Turkey Country Manager.

Among the materials IPAF aims to gradually make available is the digital card, accessible via the ePAL app, slated for release in Turkish in 2024.

“As a non-profit organisation, our shared mission is to promote and enable the safe, effective use of powered access equipment. This partnership allows us to integrate with the local association, bridging the gap between global standards and local expertise,” said Ms. Romina Vanzi, Head of Regional Development at IPAF.

Peter Douglas, IPAF CEO, added, “Sharing is essential for growth. Local associations should leverage the wealth of knowledge and resources developed by IPAF through its committees. While we acknowledge our strengths, we also recognise the challenges of being present in over 80 countries. Agreements like these signify maturity, unifying efforts and messages, thereby steering associations toward a common direction.”