Vitebsk enterprise "Vitstroytekhmash" awarded "European Gold Prize for Quality"

March 9, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The International Trade Leader's Club has awarded the Vitebsk enterprise "Vitstroytekhmash" the "Golden Europe Prize for Quality". The director of the private production and trade unitary enterprise "Vitstroytekhmash" Andrei Sidorov told a BELTA correspondent about receiving the prestigious award. The Trade Leader's Club has existed since 1978 and unites over 7,000 companies from 120 countries. The prize is awarded to companies that pay constant attention to improving the quality of their products or services and develop commercial ties between companies worldwide and the European market. The selection of awardees is determined by periodic surveys of club members, who name leading firms representing various industries, regardless of their country of origin. "Vitstroytekhmash" was among the awardees thanks to its new development – an auto hydraulic lift made of high-strength structural steel. The technical characteristics of the aerial work platform, capable of lifting workers and tools with materials to a height of almost 20 meters, are not inferior to European counterparts, and due to the use of high-strength steels, its metal consumption is 40% lower than that of competitors, while the load-bearing characteristics remain the same. The lifting mechanism is controlled by an electro-hydraulic console. According to Andrei Sidorov, receiving the international "Golden Europe Prize for Quality" has given the enterprise the opportunity to become a member of the business club and receive consultations in various fields, such as quality control and improvement, marketing, and advertising. The director hopes this will allow promoting the enterprise's products in European markets. The business development plan of "Vitstroytekhmash" envisages the serial production of auto hydraulic lifts with lifting heights of 20, 25, and 32 meters under the "Vipo" trademark, based on a pilot sample in May of the current year. The company's marketing strategy includes, along with the development of new product types, the creation of service centers for their maintenance, as well as training and preparation of specialists for working with them. Both domestic and Russian companies have shown interest in the new product. The enterprise will invest over Br4.5 billion in the implementation of the project and will complete its implementation in 2013. The project provides for the creation of 100 new jobs. Tax revenues to the local budget for 2010-2013, according to preliminary estimates, will amount to over Br8.5 billion. The private production and trade unitary enterprise "Vitstroytekhmash" was established in 2004. The enterprise specializes in the technical maintenance and repair of all types of auto hydraulic lifts and aerial platforms, the manufacture of critical metal structures and components, and the production of construction equipment. Based on the results of work in 2009, revenue from sales of products amounted to Br2.6 billion, which is 3% more than in 2008; profit increased by 6% compared to 2008; and profitability was 16%. -0-