The Miory tinplate production plant is mastering new markets and modernizing production
This year, it is planned to produce 72 thousand tons of tinplate, and in 2025-2026 – 120 thousand tons. The goal is to reach the design capacity, fulfilling the task set by the President during his visit to the plant, by the end of the decade. There are prerequisites for growth. In March, for example, 7,200 tons of high-quality tinplate were produced and sold – the maximum monthly volume in the plant's 4-year history. This was reported to a "VV" correspondent by the General Director of "Metalloprokatnaya Kompaniya", Sergey Isaev.
Progress was also characteristic of the entire past year. The company produced and shipped 63 thousand tons of tinplate, with a profitability of over 8%. Since May 2023, the plant has switched from a tolling scheme to its own production. It became the leader in the "Import Substitution" competition as the best manufacturer of domestic products, successfully competing in domestic and foreign markets. Instead of materials previously supplied from the European Union, Miory metallurgists began to use domestic ones, as well as those produced in the Russian Federation or the PRC. This turned out to be even more advantageous. They won in terms of quality and price. In addition, Miory tinplate received the Grand Prix of the "Product of the Year – 2023" competition in the "Metal Products" nomination. Participation in the international exhibition "Prodexpo-24" allowed for the conclusion of additional agreements for product supply to the foreign market.
– We have a long-term development plan for ten years. But there is still much to be done to reach production capacity, – noted Sergey Isaev. Although much is already being done. The plant independently purchases the necessary raw materials for production. A stock has been created for uninterrupted operation throughout the second quarter.
– The competitiveness of rolled metal products is determined, literally, by hundredths of a millimeter. The plant has mastered the technology for producing high-quality tinplate with a thickness of 0.13 to 0.5 mm and a width of 750 – 1250 mm. The most in-demand in our order portfolio is double cold-rolled tinplate with a thickness of 0.13 – 0.17 mm. For Russian manufacturers, it starts from 0.17 mm. This is how we win. We have increased sales in the Russian market by almost 2.5 times in a year, – emphasized the head. – A Chinese manufacturer is actively entering the Russian market in the same segment, which has its own raw materials, more favorable logistics, and lower product prices. This means we need to look for reserves to maintain prices, offer higher quality products, and break through barriers.
There are partners, and the logistics for repair and supply of spare parts and mechanisms whose service life has expired to the plant have been worked out. What used to come from the EU is now produced in Belarus, Russia, and China.
The plant workers associate the improvement of the production and financial situation with the founder of "Metalloprokatnaya Kompaniya" OJSC "Beltsvetmet", which has been providing comprehensive support to the enterprise for two years. The status of a resident of the Vitebsk FEZ played its positive role. As a result, the production process has become stable, the plant has its own funds, and the opportunity to engage in modernization.
Among the nearest plans, the General Director named the purchase of another electric overhead crane for moving semi-finished products and finished coils. The one installed during construction cannot cope with the current volume. An additional one will speed up the transfer of products to the warehouse, as well as their shipment.
A plant and a grinding machine are being purchased, which are necessary for grinding rollers on the tinning line. Previously, this service was outsourced and cost a considerable amount of money. Now, they will be responsible for the speed and quality of grinding themselves. Furthermore, according to Sergey Isaev, the bottleneck in production is the cutting line. The demand for tinplate is growing, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet it with existing capabilities. Modernization of this production section is also needed. They also intend to acquire a laser texturing machine, which will improve the adhesion of the steel base and the appearance of the tinplate.
The team fulfills its obligations to customers, has no arrears in mandatory payments, and operates with positive financial results. Here, care is taken not only for production but also for the convenience of the employees. Refrigerators, microwaves, and electric kettles have been installed in the break rooms at the production sites. The plant's own housing stock includes 110 apartments, providing an opportunity to accommodate enterprise specialists. In short, the social package is good.
Everyone interviewed expressed pride in working at such an enterprise, in mastering a complex technological process, and in working to make the fame of Belarusian tinplate known throughout the world.
BY THE WAY: The main consumer of Belarusian tinplate is Russia, which receives up to 80% of the products shipped from Miory. Last year, sales markets were expanded to include Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. The first export deliveries were made to cosmetic and pharmaceutical enterprises in Uzbekistan. Opportunities for cooperation with countries in North Africa and Asia are being explored. The number of counterparties is constantly increasing, currently around 40.