Belarusian and Russian machine builders have launched a series production of a truck-mounted aerial platform on the "Silant" base chassis

October 4, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Belarusian and Russian machine builders have begun serial production of a truck-mounted aerial platform with a basket lifting height of up to 16 m on the "Silant" base chassis, said Andrei Sidorov, director of the private production and trading unitary enterprise "Vitstroytehmash", to a BELTA correspondent. The "Vipo-16-01" truck-mounted aerial platform model was designed by the Vitebsk lifting and transport equipment plant of the "Vitstroytehmash" enterprise specifically for installation on the chassis of the new Russian "Silant" vehicle, which has enhanced off-road capabilities in swampy areas and rough terrain. The prototype for this machine was the GAZ-66 medium-duty truck. The support contour of the new truck-mounted aerial platform is 2.5x2.5 m, which allows it to be used in confined urban environments. Until recently, aerial platforms of this type were not produced in either Belarus or Russia. The prototype truck-mounted aerial platform successfully passed state tests and received a certificate of conformity in the Russian Federation. Municipal enterprises from Moscow and Yaroslavl, which service bridges, overpasses, and viaducts, have already shown interest in the new product. "Vitstroytehmash" has begun developing aerial platforms with a height of 24 m based on the "Silant" chassis, which are in demand by energy companies in both Belarus and the Russian Federation. The private production and trading unitary enterprise "Vitstroytehmash" was established in 2004. It specializes in the maintenance and repair of all types of truck-mounted aerial platforms and lifts, the manufacturing of critical metal structures and components, and the production of construction equipment. "Vitstroytehmash" was the first in Belarus to develop and master the production of truck-mounted aerial platforms made of high-strength structural steel with various working lifting heights. Thanks to the use of high-strength steels, the metal consumption of products is 40% lower than that of competitors, while the load-carrying characteristics remain the same. The production of truck-mounted aerial platforms was included in the enterprise's development business plan for the period 2010-2013. The total project cost was estimated at over Br4.5 billion. The project envisaged the creation of at least 100 new jobs. Currently, the enterprise is developing a business plan that provides for the expansion of production and an increase in the output of hydraulic lifts on the chassis of various car models. According to data for January-September 2012, "Vitstroytehmash's" investments in fixed assets exceeded Br500 million. The growth rate of production volumes in monetary terms more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of the year, more than 100 lifts of various modifications have been shipped to customers. About 80% of finished products are sent to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. The export growth rate was 197% compared to the same period last year. Production profitability reached 20%. -0-