Chairman of Vitebsk region Nikolai Sherstnev visited OJSC «Invette» in Bigosovo, Verkhnedvinsk district
The leaders familiarized themselves with the production, viewed samples of manufactured products, analyzed the enterprise's performance results, and discussed development prospects.
– Today, we can proudly say, – noted the General Director of OJSC "Inviet", Deputy of the Regional Council of Deputies, Sergey Gromadko, during an excursion through the workshops, – that every ruble invested in the development of our enterprise yields returns, not a single kopeck has been wasted. The plant is financially stable, operates profitably, has no arrears in energy resources and budget payments, regularly pays wages, providing jobs for about 250 people.
Agricultural products are the most profitable.
In general, OJSC "Inviet" produces over 250 types of products, also in demand in mechanical engineering, road construction, landscaping, and for household use.
When developing new products, the focus is on import substitution. The share of exports in the total sales structure is 20%, and the geography of sales markets is constantly expanding.
Currently, cooperation with European countries is actively developing. There are 11 of them in total, including Turkey, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, where trial shipments to study demand were carried out last year.
The main part of the export is directed to Russia, where products from Verkhnedvinsk manufacturers are purchased by 60 out of 80 regions.
The appearance of new partners is facilitated by participation in international exhibitions. For example, at EuroTier in Hanover, Germany, both Russians and Europeans showed great interest in houses and cages for raising calves. "Inviet" sells them for 170 euros, and with customs clearance and delivery, the cost reaches up to 250 euros, while the cost of analogues on the European market is 650 euros. The price difference is significant, and the Belarusian quality fully satisfies consumers.
To better promote its products, as stated by Natalia Barstok, Head of the Marketing Department, the enterprise is developing a new offensive strategy, updating its website and catalog, and actively popularizing new items. One of these, a large 260-liter outdoor planter suitable for trees, is becoming particularly relevant ahead of the greening season.
To facilitate a broader acquaintance with its products, it is planned to initiate a seminar at OAO "Invet" for representatives of domestic and foreign industrial enterprises.
Further development of OAO "Invet," as emphasized by Sergey Gromadko, is crucial for positive changes throughout the agro-town of Bigosovo. This is one of those small settlements worth investing in, as its entire social infrastructure has been well-preserved.
The largest school among rural settlements, a kindergarten, a House of Culture, and a shop are operational here. The convenient border location and regular railway service are of great importance.
Even today, residents from neighboring villages and Verkhnedvinsk commute to work at OAO "Invet." The enterprise has organized transportation for specialists and renovated the dormitory.
With adequate support, Bigosovo, with its population of 1700 people, can become one of the growth points in the Verkhnedvinsk district. The district executive committee has developed a plan for the improvement of the settlement with the aim of transforming it to the status of a "Village of the Future."
The future of the agro-town, as noted by Nikolai Sherstnev during his visit, is directly linked to how many school graduates remain in their homeland and whether its population grows annually. To attract young people, attractive working and living conditions are needed.
Currently, OAO "Invet" operates at nearly half its capacity, but it is necessary to increase production volumes and create new jobs.
This requires a well-thought-out long-term action plan.
It is important that the enterprise has an experienced, proactive leader, and that local authorities understand and jointly address emerging problems. Such approaches are promising and will always find support.