Although there are many studies on Sümerbank and its enterprises from different disciplines, the subject has not been discussed much from the perspective of development studies. This literature, dominated by the theme of modernization, does not touch upon the problems experienced by Sümerbank, especially in its initial period, nor does it sufficiently emphasize the changes and differences between periods. When we look at Sümerbank's story from a broad perspective, we see reflections of the general problems related to Turkey's development, as well as the successes. In the literature on Sümerbank, a tendency to idealize the institution within a "golden age" narrative based on a modernization perspective predominates. However, the transition from plan to implementation was not easy, and overcoming the difficulties encountered in the production process required intense effort and more investment. In this respect, Sümerbank can be considered as a case that shows solid problems in Turkey’s industrial development, such as the lack of a permanent and qualified workforce at the beginning, managerial inadequacies in industrial management, inefficiency, as well as general vulnerabilities related to the development process, such as patronage relations, state capacity, and embedded autonomy. The aim of the study is to contribute to the relevant literature on political economy of the related period by focusing on Sümerbank, which has received scant attenttion from the perspective of development studies. It is clear that Sümerbank provided multifaceted benefits to the development of the country. In addition to meeting the country's needs and reducing foreign dependency during the period in which it operated, its vital contribution to the formation of the private sector makes this institution a cornerstone in Turkey's development story. This study has discussed the story within the developmentalism debates, starting from the formation of contemporary economic thought and national developmentalism in Turkey, and the life cycle of Kayseri Textile Factory, Sümerbank's first factory.