One of Belarus's oldest enterprises, Vitebsk Carpets OJSC, celebrated its 115th anniversary

Today, one of the oldest enterprises not only in the region but also in the republic, Vitebsk Carpets OJSC, celebrates its 115th anniversary. In December 1900, by a tsarist decree, the Dvina flax spinning mill was opened in Vitebsk. Since then, the enterprise has come a long way in its formation and development, constantly replenishing the treasury of labor achievements of our city with new victories.

A difficult, but interesting and quite successful period began in its history after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Vitebsk Carpets OJSC, one of the few enterprises of this profile, managed to preserve production, establish new economic ties, and launch in-demand products.

— Currently, the open joint-stock company is dynamically developing, focusing on modern technologies and product quality, — noted Elena Chebotareva, Deputy General Director for Economics. — Journalists quite often ask how we manage to do this. Undoubtedly, large-scale technical re-equipment of production has played a significant role. But no less important is the high professionalism of the staff. We now employ about one and a half thousand people, mostly qualified and experienced workers. For many, "Kovrovka" has become their destiny, the work of their lives. Labor dynasties have been formed, which are the pride of the enterprise and ensure the continuity of generations. We also constantly update our product range, attracting customers with new items. This year, new collections have been introduced into production – "Versailles," "Pearl," "Renaissance," which feature modern color solutions. They have already appeared on sale in the city, including in the company's branded stores, as well as in the enterprise's foreign distribution network. Vitebsk carpets are in demand in Russia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Ukraine, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and a number of other republics. By the end of the year, we plan to produce almost 18 million square meters of carpet products. 80 percent of them will be exported.

Larisa VOLKOVA. Photos by Oleg KLIMOVICH. Vitbichi.