The first samples of road construction equipment will be produced in the FEZ "Vitebsk" by the end of the year

May 9, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA/. The Belarusian-Russian joint limited liability company "Natrix" plans to produce the first samples of road construction equipment by the end of 2011. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the head of the administration of the Vitebsk FEZ, Sergey Stashevsky. The company was registered as a FEZ resident in early February of this year. Natrix's investment project provides for the organization of production of asphalt pavers for laying asphalt concrete pavement on roads, urban highways, yards and sidewalks, as well as cold planers designed for mechanical removal of the upper layer of asphalt concrete pavement up to 300 mm thick and subsequent loading of the cut material into transport. Such special equipment is not produced in Belarus. In addition, the company plans to master the production of directional drilling systems, which can be used as part of a coiled tubing complex for the oil and gas industry. The Belarusian-Russian tandem of founders of "Natrix" plans to invest more than 1 million euros in the new production. The investment project is import-substituting in nature. During its implementation, it is planned to create more than 70 jobs. The company will be located at one of the industrial sites in the regional center, which is currently being modernized for new production. In addition, a regional innovation program "Vitmash" for 2011-2015 has been developed in the region, the goal of which is to create competitive vehicles and agricultural machinery with the introduction of new design solutions and advanced technologies. In accordance with the program, it is planned to create new enterprises for the production of automotive equipment, as well as modernize and develop existing production facilities in the region. For example, the private unitary enterprise "Vitstroytekmash", which specializes in the production of lifting and handling equipment, plans to master the production of a 90-meter truck-mounted aerial platform and a 100-ton crane. OJSC "Verkhnedvinsk Rayagropromservice" will expand the production of the universal power unit "Dvina", and OJSC "Orshaagromash" will expand the production of the universal vehicle "Dnepr". The Kokhanovo Excavator Plant will increase the production of excavators and mowers of various brands. In general, the implementation of the program will increase the production of agricultural machinery, annually export up to 70% of manufactured vehicles and at least 200 units of agricultural machinery. To implement the program measures, it is planned to allocate about Br12 billion. -0-