SOOO "Belwest" has produced its 40 millionth pair of shoes

Elegant sandals of the "Antaliya" model, size 37, turquoise color. This is what the 40 millionth pair, which came off the conveyor belt of SOOO "Belwest", looks like. Its author is a young artist-designer, a graduate of the Vitebsk Technological University, Alesya Khamitsevich.

Elegant sandals of the "Antaliya" model, size 37, turquoise color. This is what the 40 millionth pair, which came off the conveyor belt of SOOO "Belwest", looks like. Its author is a young artist-designer, a graduate of the Vitebsk Technological University, Alesya Khamitsevich. In the autumn of last year, the girl underwent training at an Italian shoe design school. Like other employees of the enterprise who were able to adopt the experience of world-renowned manufacturers. The anniversary "Antaliya", inspired by Italian motifs, will remain in the museum, but other sandals of this model can already be seen on store shelves along with the rest of the spring-summer 2013 collection.

It is very symbolic that the 40 millionth pair turned out to be footwear from the youth assortment: it reflects the forward movement and the spirit of novelty that are so inherent in the enterprise today. For one of the largest representatives of the footwear industry, this is not just a number, but a significant event that coincided with the 25th anniversary of "Belwest" itself. Behind the important date are numerous employees and specialists, constant improvement of the production process, and design discoveries. The result is stability in the consumer market.

The majority of the manufactured products are exported – over 70 percent. Of these, up to 65 percent go to Russia. It gives the impression that all the best goes abroad. But, according to the General Director of SOOO "Belwest", Yuri Sumaneev, the whole point is that domestic retail enterprises lack the courage to order, meaning small batches of interesting, bright assortments are received, which are quickly bought up. As a result, what remains is what remains. Branded retail helps to rectify the situation. To date, there are 40 "Belwest" stores in Belarus and 286 in the Russian Federation.

– We have already reached Baikal, and now we are striving to reach the Pacific Ocean. We need to develop existing markets. There is no point in conquering the European space where the footwear production niche is occupied. There is still room to grow in Russia, – emphasized Yuri Gennadievich.

However, the Baltic region is still of interest to the enterprise, as it is followed by the Kaliningrad region. 8 branded stores have already been opened in Latvia, the brand is recognizable and in demand. The issue of shipments to Kazakhstan is also being worked out.

It is clear that the expansion of export markets requires an increase in volumes. This task has been set for the enterprise and the Government of the Republic of Belarus: to reach the 6 million mark per year. To do this, it is necessary to expand production facilities. Currently, issues of organizing shoe production on the basis of unused premises of OJSC "Plant of Automatic Control Devices" in Orsha, as well as the creation of a leather and footwear holding are being worked out. However, as Yuri Sumaneev noted, to solve the problem, high-tech equipment is not enough, specialists are needed. There are ways to attract people: the average salary is 4400 thousand rubles, housing construction for employees, a wide range of social guarantees. It's up to the education system.

Olga MASLOVSKAYA, "Vitebsky Rabochy". Photo by the author.