Technological re-equipment helped Vitebsk Carpets OJSC to produce the largest volume of products in 2012 in the entire history of the enterprise's existence

That is, more than 12 million 684 thousand square meters of carpet products. As noted by General Director Elena Cherepnina, if translated into a carpet runner, it could cover one third of the equator. Production efficiency and output volumes have been increased due to the installation of high-tech equipment, in particular, an Austrian printing machine. It was for its acquisition that investments amounting to 44.5 billion rubles were directed. The 5-meter long unit allows for a finer, more elegant pattern, while consuming much less time than the previous equipment.

By the way, in the process of re-equipping, the enterprise strives to utilize existing space, meaning it sells old machines and installs new, energy-efficient ones in their place. In 2013, the acquisition of another carpet weaving machine is planned, which will increase the pile height of products from 30 centimeters to 80 centimeters. This product will be import-substituting. Furthermore, another tufting machine will increase production volume by another million square meters this year.

Today, OJSC "Vitebsk Carpets" meets the entire demand of Belarus for carpet products. There are 25 company stores in the country, including three in the Vitebsk region in the regional center, as well as in Orsha, Polotsk, and Postavy. However, the majority of products, 76 percent, are sold on the external market: in Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and the Baltic states. Seven retail outlets of the Pridvinye manufacturer are located in neighboring countries. It is also noteworthy that Vitebsk carpet products are used to create coziness not only in apartments and office spaces but also in Russian "Boeings."

– There was a special demand for our products in the second half of the year, when we could not cope with the demand. The only way out was to modernize production. The demand for carpets from Vitebsk indicates that we are on the right track, – noted Sergey Kolesnik, Deputy General Director for Commercial Affairs.

Awards also confirm this. For the implementation of highly effective quality management methods and the subsequent production of competitive products, OJSC "Vitebskiye Kovry" was awarded the Government Prize of the Republic of Belarus for achievements in the field of quality in 2012.

Olga MASLOVSKAYA, "Vitebsky Rabochy".