A furniture factory in Postavy has started producing transformer school desks to combat scoliosis

One of the main domestic manufacturers of school furniture – OJSC "Postavyfurniture" – is developing new types of desks, maximally adapted for the comfort of students and the benefit of their health.

Despite the significant expansion of the product range in recent years, the enterprise still corresponds to its original name "Postavsky Zavod Uchebnogo Oborudovaniya" (Postavy Educational Equipment Plant), which today accounts for about 70% of the volume. The director of the enterprise, Sergey Zemchenok, is pleased that, despite all economic collisions, it has been possible to maintain a stable, working team (it consists of about 300 people, which is a significant figure for a district center). Although there is serious competition from private companies: at least 5-6 offers are received for any announced tender.

At one time, the Postavy company started with the production of workbenches for carpentry and library shelves. Over the years, they have seriously expanded the range of manufactured products, including attractive sets of home furniture. The enterprise tries to respond sensitively to market conditions. For example, when it became in demand, they actively engaged in the production of furniture for kindergartens.

In 2014, more than 20 types of new products were developed. Among the latest innovations is the «Erisman» desk, for which a patent for a «Utility Model» is soon to be obtained. It is granted for a significant improvement of a previous idea. Fyodor Erisman was a prominent hygienist of the past who, after carefully studying children's parameters, created a gradation table depending on the student's height: what the seat should be, the height of the tabletop, the tilt of the desk, etc., to minimize the load on the child.

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"It's a horror," exclaims Sergey Zemchenok, "that, as medics note, after the first three years of study, a student's health deteriorates by 40% across various indicators. It turns out we are simply crippling our children!"" The spine of a small person, forced to sit almost motionless at a desk for nearly half the day, suffers first and foremost. Therefore, the importance of this piece of furniture, which should be as comfortable as possible, cannot be overestimated. This is the task that the new product from Postavy furniture makers is designed to accomplish. It was recently presented at an exhibition of educational technologies in Minsk under the brand "Nothing is better than classics" and received enthusiastic reviews from educators. And it's no wonder, because our craftsmen, taking the idea of the well-known desks with flip-up lids from Soviet times, have significantly improved it by using new concepts and modern materials. Not only has the product become lighter (and yet more durable due to reinforcing structures), more compact, and aesthetically pleasing with a modern look, but most importantly, it easily adjusts to the dimensions of almost any student. If necessary, any part of the product can be easily replaced.

From the machines

"Postavyfurniture" only reliable products are produced, which consistently win awards at various international specialized competitions. For several years now, the ISO 9001 quality control system has been implemented here. Products are supplied to various countries, with the main sales destinations being Kazakhstan, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and, of course, Belarus.

Currently, the market is slightly contracting due to recent economic events. However, the figures speak for themselves. For example, the profitability of products sold for the past year was 5%, the share of innovative products in the total sales volume was 43.6%, and the average monthly salary in December was almost 6 million rubles. Two new stores of "Postavyfurniture" have opened – in Minsk and Molodechno. This year, among other things, it is planned to modernize the metalworking shop.

"Postavyfurniture" – in Minsk and Molodechno. This year, among other things, it is planned to modernize the metalworking shop.

When the management formed the company's development policy and objectives at the time, they clearly defined the main goal: to become a leader in the furniture production industry for preschool, school, and other educational institutions. After all, in a declining market, orders may only be sufficient for a couple of leading companies, believes Sergey Richardovich. So, this is not just some excessive ambition, but merely a survival strategy. To survive, you need to be the best. And it is difficult not to agree with the viewpoint of the manager, who has gone through almost all the steps in production, starting from foreman. He soberly and meticulously calculates plans for the future so that many more graduating classes can appreciate the furniture with the logo of the Postavy craftsmen.

Ales Byньkov, "Vitebskiye Vesti"