Meat and dairy enterprises of the Vitebsk region invested Br40.7 billion in fixed assets in the first half of the year.

July 16, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. Enterprises of the Vitebsk concern "Meat and Dairy Products" invested Br40.7 billion in fixed assets in January-June of the current year, including Br9.6 billion for the construction of agricultural production complexes, the concern informed a BELTA correspondent. The main volume of investments was directed towards the implementation of various production modernization projects. For example, OJSC "Moloko" purchased a new technological line for the production of yogurts in group packaging and equipment for the dry milk production workshop. The Verkhnedvinsk butter and cheese factory is constructing a whey drying workshop. About Br8 billion was allocated for these purposes in the first half of the year. By the end of the year, it is planned to invest another Br14 billion. At the Glubokoye dairy and canned goods plant, the main project for 2010 is the installation of an additional line for the production of condensed milk. The enterprise has already signed a contract for its supply with an Italian supplier. The new equipment is planned to be commissioned by the end of the year. Large-scale re-equipment projects are also being implemented at OJSC "Orshasyrzavod", Orsha and Polotsk dairy plants, and Lepel dairy and canned goods plant. In total, in 2010, the concern's enterprises plan to invest over Br100 billion in fixed assets. In January-June, the concern produced products worth Br805.2 billion, or 115.5% compared to the same period last year. The profitability of sales was 4.2%. All enterprises operated profitably. The share of exports in the total sales volume reached 48%. Deliveries were made to 38 countries. Exports in January-June of the current year increased by 44% to $80 million. The concern includes four meat processing plants and eight dairy industry enterprises. -0-