A Serbian-Belarusian enterprise in the Sennensky district has turned a derelict area into a modern production facility

A woodworking enterprise with Serbian investments in Bogushevsk, Senno District, has become an important component of the socio-economic development of the urban settlement and the region as a whole.

It all started with a proposal from the Senno District Executive Committee to utilize two unused premises of the former district agricultural chemistry facility. The buildings were transferred to the investor free of charge, with the condition of creating 10 new jobs.

All necessary documents were processed in May 2014, and 11 months later, SOOO "Milkonforest" produced its first products – boards and lumber from two types of wood. The production of lumber from spruce and larch remains the main focus. While spruce is sourced from Belarusian forestry enterprises, larch is supplied by rail from the Krasnoyarsk Territory.

In a short period, the abandoned territory has been transformed into a modern production facility. According to "Milkonforest" manager Eduard Volkov, the enterprise now consists of three workshops, a drying kiln (equipment is being commissioned), and a plot of land has been acquired for expanding warehouses for finished products.

The production facility is equipped with modern imported machinery

Previously, a vacant building of the local agricultural enterprise, with an area of 260 sq. m, was purchased. After renovation, it now houses a dormitory for non-resident specialists, complete with a kitchen, shower, and bathroom, as well as a room for official receptions. By autumn, it is planned to replace the roof, create a wooden facade, and landscape the adjacent territory.

Currently, 74 people work at the enterprise in two shifts (20 of them are new hires and are on probation), with an average salary of 430-450 rubles. Salaries are reviewed quarterly. In general, a machine operator can earn 500-600 rubles, and a packer – up to 450 rubles. "Milkonforest" is currently seeking an instrumentation and automation engineer with an initial salary of 500 rubles; dormitory accommodation is provided if necessary.

All the enterprise's products are sold exclusively on the European market – in Serbia, Poland, and Germany. Wood chips for utility boiler houses are produced from waste. In the near future, the company plans to acquire equipment for producing pellets from sawdust, which will significantly increase the depth of raw material processing and improve profitability.

According to Vyacheslav Bogdanov, Chairman of the Bogushevsk rural council, "Milkonforest" also bears a social burden. For example, the enterprise provided lumber to two secondary schools for fence repairs, and 10 low-income families received fuel before the past heating season.

Sergey Lyashuk. Photos by Anton Stepanishchev. "Vitebskiye vesti".