"Vitebsk Spring": local raw materials are used
As the saying goes, "We're happy with what we have." This well-known proverb is highly applicable today to the realities of the Belarusian economy, which is focused on import substitution and the active use of its own resources. It's high time to finally get used to the fact that we don't have oil and gas, but we do have alternative energy sources, gifted by nature, and minds capable of figuring out how to put these resources into circulation.
Take artesian wells, for example. Fortunately, Belarus has one of the largest reserves of high-quality mineral groundwater in Europe. Enterprises in the Vitebsk region are involved in extraction and bottling, and some sanatoriums have their own sources. However, recently, our citizens have increasingly preferred bottled water over tap water, and the demand for clean water will only grow over time. To supply our region, first and foremost, with this product, the subprogram "Vitebsky Rodnik" (Vitebsk Spring) was developed as part of the Regional Program for Innovative and Investment Development of the Vitebsk Region for 2011-2015. One of the important planned activities is the creation of a plant for the extraction and bottling of mineral water on the territory of OJSC "Rudakovo" in the agro-town of Novka, Vitebsk District.
To date, the design and estimate documentation is ready, and an artesian well has been drilled to a depth of 400 meters. The samples taken confirmed that the source is excellent in quality and composition. The plant will be equipped with two lines: one for the production of still drinking water and another for carbonated soft drinks. The water will also be bottled here; the proximity of the wells to the production facilities will help preserve the invaluable qualities of the life-giving moisture.
The planned annual volume is about 113 million liters per year, including 56 million liters of table water, of which 11 million liters are so-called still water (i.e., without gas), and another 56 million liters of sweet carbonated beverages. These are quite large volumes, and therefore, a rather expensive project.
– The cost is about 45 million dollars. We lack our own funds: they are currently being used to increase the production volumes of products – greenhouse vegetables, which are very popular in Russia. Credit resources, as is known, are expensive. Therefore, we are actively searching for an investor to create a joint venture, – notes Tatiana Korneeva, chief economist of OJSC "Rudakovo".
The enterprise participated in all investment forums held in Vitebsk, presented the project at the international exhibition in Moscow and the International Television Forum "Agromir". All necessary information about the plant is available on the website of OJSC "Rudakovo", including in English, as well as on the Internet resource of the Vitebsk District Executive Committee.
– We are focused on involving local raw materials into circulation. "Rudakovo" successfully works in import substitution, having proven itself in animal husbandry and greenhouse vegetable cultivation. But our enterprises are capable of developing in a diversified manner, especially when it comes to the production chain from raw materials to finished products. This is both an additional source of income and new jobs. We will be able to hire 60 people at the plant for the extraction and bottling of mineral water. This is very important for the development of the agro-town, – notes Viktor Dorozhkin, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk District Executive Committee.
Incidentally, the idea was also proposed to industry giants such as "Triple" and "Lidskoye Pivo", but they have not yet responded. Businessmen from Italy also considered "Rudakovo" in their deliberations, and an answer is currently expected from them. It is obvious that this project will be implemented and profitable. It's only a matter of time. According to calculations, it will also be cost-effective, with an annual revenue of about 80 billion rubles. Logistics also plays an important role in this: the regional center is two kilometers away from the enterprise, there is a railway nearby, and, importantly, Russian regions. Entering the foreign market and strengthening export potential is one of the most important tasks of the Vitebsk region's economy.
Olga MASLOVSKAYA. "Vitsebski Rabochy"