PRESS RELEASE 10 December 2025
A Step Toward Inclusive Employment from Horoz Logistics and the TOHUM Autism Foundation
Horoz Logistics TOHUM has launched a partnership with the Autism Foundation “Better Together” With its project, it is strengthening the participation of individuals with autism in the business world.
Horoz Logistics and TOHUM the Autism Foundation have joined forces to support the participation of individuals with autism in the working world and ensure their long-term employment in the logistics sector. This collaboration stands out as a first in Turkey, providing sustainable employment for individuals with autism supported by İŞKUR in the logistics sector. The signing ceremony took place at Horoz Logistics’s Çerkezköy warehouse.“Better Together”The “project” was implemented.
The ceremony was attended by İlker Özkocacık, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Horoz Logistics, Aytüm Yılmaz, Head of the Management Development Group, Rasim Tunce, Deputy Director of İŞKUR in Tekirdağ, TOHUM and Aylin Sezgin, President of the Autism Foundation, as well as experts from İŞKUR and the foundation teams. In opening remarks, the social benefits of an inclusive workforce, the strategic importance for the business world, and the opportunities it offers for individuals with autism were emphasized.
Vice Chairman of the Board of Horoz Logistics Ilker Özkocacık In his speech,
“In today’s rapidly changing competitive environment, technology, efficiency, and cost optimization are certainly critical; however, as Horoz Lojistik, we believe that this transformation must be approached with a human-centric approach. We see building a strong infrastructure based on the principles of sustainability and equality, prioritizing equal opportunity, and valuing people as our primary goal. This project will serve as an example for our other facilities across Turkey and is a decisive step to expand inclusivity.”.
Head of Horoz Logistics Management Development Group Aytüm Yılmaz He said the following:
“Over the years, we have participated in many projects with an approach of inclusivity and diversity. Today’s step provides a much more meaningful contribution to our company’s corporate culture and values. Through awareness training within the company, we strive to make our new employees feel our inclusivity and diversity principle at every touchpoint. I hope this project will serve as an example for other companies and spread the culture of inclusivity to a broader area.”
TOHUM President of the Autism Foundation Aylin Sezgin, Emphasizing the need for people with autism to be included in all aspects of society, he said, “We have always believed that the business world should take steps in this regard. Today I congratulate Horoz Lojistik, which spearheaded this practice in the Marmara Region. The support provided by İŞKUR makes the process much more accessible. Thanks to this collaboration, I believe that our young people will participate more strongly in society and, as they integrate with their colleagues, a more cohesive working environment will emerge.”.
Deputy Director of İŞKUR in Tekirdağ Rasim Tunce, In his speech, he used the following statements:
“As İŞKUR, we have provided employment for thousands of people over 20 years and are pioneering supported employment projects. These projects ensure that people with autism are integrated strongly into society and the workplace. Today, the people with autism working at Horoz Lojistik are very loyal and happy in their jobs; their performance sets an example. Moreover, these projects are also valuable for families. They not only help their children socialize but also give families the opportunity to use their own time.”
Sustainable Employment Model for Individuals with Autism
The TOHUM project combines the expertise of the Autism Foundation with Horoz Lojistik’s operational infrastructure and is based on the “supported employment” model aimed at empowering autistic individuals in the workplace. Under the model, the previously conducted Business Coaching Training Program was successfully completed. The business coach at Horoz Lojistik has gained expertise through a special training process tailored to the needs of autistic individuals in their working lives.
The model combines business coaching, workplace and task adjustments, employee awareness, inclusive talent management-based organizational culture, and sustainable performance support. This approach stands out as an exemplary model for employing individuals with autism in the logistics sector in Turkey.
About the Project
The “Together Better” project, implemented in collaboration with Horoz Logistics and TOHUM the Autism Foundation, is based on a supported employment model that ensures that individuals with autism can participate in working life in a visible, productive, and lasting way. The model aims to enable individuals to discover their strengths, place them in appropriate work environments, and develop independence and sustainable performance through job coaching.
The support provided by İŞKUR offers an important public contribution to the development of inclusive working environments for employers and individuals with autism. While this model serves as an example in the logistics sector, it reinforces Horoz Lojistik’s vision of prioritizing social benefits and its inclusive talent management approach in the sector.
TOHUM Early Diagnosis and Education Foundation for Autism in Turkey
Beyoğlu, Ömer Avni Mahallesi, Dümen Sokak, Gümüşsuyu Business Center No:11 Floor:1 Apartment:4 Gümüşsuyu/Istanbul
Phone: +90–212–244 75 00 Fax: +90–212–244 75 04
www.tohumotizm.org.tr info@tohumotizm.org.tr
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