General Director of SOOO "LLK-Naftan" Mikhail Babushkin: "We are not going to give up our leadership positions"

In the context of fierce competition for sales markets, Novopolotsk CJSC "LLK-Naftan" достойно competes with world leaders in the industry in far-abroad countries. The enterprise's achievements include the title of the best exporter of the Republic of Belarus and a high award for the best performance in import substitution of lubricant additives in the Russian Federation. What determines success, as told to us by the General Director of the enterprise, holder of the honorary title "Person of the Year of Vitebsk Region" Mikhail Babushkin.

– Mikhail Olegovich, your enterprise possesses the largest comprehensive technological potential for the production of additives in the CIS and exports 95% of its products. How has the geography of supplies changed in recent years?

– Ten years ago, when we were just starting, the dominant direction was the Russian Federation. Time has shown that such dependence is not an advantage, so we are actively working on diversification, trying to shift the vector towards

to the far abroad. As a result, 53% of products were shipped outside the customs territory countries last year, and 70% by the end of January. When it's winter for us, we tried to seek happiness in warmer climes.

We are currently focusing on the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where we are successfully competing with Chinese companies. The main flow is directed to the United Arab Emirates, we are developing Singapore, and strengthening our position in India, although local manufacturers are at their peak development there. There are separate supplies to the Republic of South Africa, and after sending a trial batch, we received a large order from Nigeria. We maintain our presence in European markets. We are trying to expand the list of partner countries, which currently numbers around twenty.

Currently, we are participating in a number of joint projects with the Russian oil company "Lukoil," one of our founders. We supply ship additive packages, which they use to prepare oils and distribute them in ports worldwide, which also strengthens our export position.

– What are your competitive advantages?

– Everything starts with the economy. We are systematically working to reduce production costs, which constitute the main share of the cost price. In two years, we have reduced them by 30%. While gradually moving towards more complex, high-tech products, our prices remain competitive.

From the perspective of product quality, we also have a positive image, and we are doing everything to meet consumer expectations and requirements. We are actively investing in new equipment and technologies. But we consider a strong team of 330 professionals to be our main competitive advantage. After all, people are always the source of any innovation.

– Is it difficult to get a job at your company, what requirements do you have for specialists?

– I can proudly say that we have formed our own specialist training school.

– the best in the post-Soviet space, we have created a cohesive team. It is stable, but is being replenished with new people during the reorganization. At the same time, there is a rather strict selection process, and an active personnel policy is being pursued. With the support of the relevant service of "Lukoil", we have organized our own HR department.

We pay a lot of attention to learning foreign languages. This is essential for key positions. The entire commercial department speaks English, and some specialists also speak Spanish and French. There is no other way; we are an export-oriented enterprise.

Of course, discipline is mandatory. In addition, it is very important to be strong-willed, not to falter in the face of difficulties, so as not to let the boat sink, but to row forward together through a raging sea. After all, we compete with the global sharks of business, encounter obstacles and resistance. The technologies for creating new additives are kept under strict secrecy today; they are developed by the manufacturers themselves. It is very difficult to create a product that surpasses imported analogues. Over the ten-year history of the company, we have already put into production about 30 types of additives and the same number of additive packages, and have developed over 100 new oil formulations for our consumers.

In general, we strive to ensure that people work in a comfortable environment, feel the feedback, and know that they are valued. We create conditions for development and career growth, motivate with a system of incentives, and strengthen corporate spirit through sports competitions.

– While other companies are in turmoil, you demonstrate steady growth, and the list of your enterprise's awards is impressive. Very recently, you received an honorary diploma for your personal contribution to the development of the Russian oil company Lukoil from the hands of its president, Vagit Alekperov (pictured). And a week ago, OOO "LLK-Naftan" was once again inscribed on the city's Honor Board as the winner of labor competition based on the results of last year. What were the main achievements?

– The industrial production growth at current prices was almost 137% compared to the 2014 level. Similar indicators were achieved for exports, revenue from product sales, and labor productivity. Profit from sales more than doubled, and investments in fixed assets amounted to 22 billion rubles, or 237% compared to the previous year.

period. As a result, we managed to increase salaries by 20%, and also earned four quarterly bonuses. In the most difficult conditions, we strive to maintain and even exceed these results.

– Do you agree that the crisis presents new opportunities for development?

– There is such a term as "unlocking reserves." We constantly strive to do this. Yes, today the geopolitical situation is changing, the price of oil products is falling, and consequently, the prices of lubricants and additives. But some aspects can be turned to our advantage, for example, purchasing raw materials at a lower cost. Moreover, the crisis mobilizes internal resources, encourages unconventional actions, more effective decisions, and obtaining corresponding results.

It is gratifying that our efforts are recognized at the city, regional, and republican levels, as we live inthis country and work for its benefit. But it is equally honorable to receive awards abroad. Recognition imposes responsibility and adds strength to continue what has been started with even greater inspiration. We intend to adapt to any economic conditions, expand our business, and move forward with confidence. We are not going to give up our leadership positions.

Larisa Malashenya, "Vitebskiye Vesti".