Burdur Tractor Factory

Burdur Tractor Factory (Bur-Trak) was established in 1975 with the aim of meeting Türkiye's agricultural mechanization needs through local production and began operations in 1976. During the establishment process, contributions were made by Speaker of the Assembly Nevzat Akdemir and Chairman of the Board of Directors Nurettin Boyacıoğlu, and the inauguration took place during the tenure of Board Chairman Vahittin Uzelli.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Japan-based IHI-Shibaura company, the Bur-Trak factory produced Türkiye's first four-wheel-drive tractor. The factory aimed to contribute to both the agricultural sector and regional development through its high production capacity.

1983, Milliyet Newspaper Page 6

Economic Changes and the Factory Closure

In the late 1970s, Türkiye faced economic difficulties due to rising foreign debt and inflation. As part of this context, decisions were made on 24 January 1980 to transition to a free market economic model. Under these decisions, imports were liberalized, industrial subsidies were gradually withdrawn, and domestic producers were forced to compete directly with international competitors.

These economic changes increased Bur-Trak's operating costs and weakened its competitiveness, leading to imported tractors becoming more dominant in the market. By 1983, production at the factory had declined significantly, and in 1984 the Burdur Tractor Factory was officially closed. The closure was attributed to changes in economic policy, the growing market share of imported products, and the termination of state support.

Transfer of the Factory Site

Following the factory's closure, the Bur-Trak site was transferred to the Justice Ministry, where a goat farm was established under the Burdur E-Type Closed and Open Penalty Enforcement Institution Work Prison Directorate. Breeding of breeding goats was initiated at this farm, contributing to regional livestock activities.