In 2009, the VISTAN plant mastered the production of almost 20 import-substituting units for agricultural machinery

February 16, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. Last year, Vitebsk Machine-Tool Plant "VISTAN" developed and mastered the production of almost 20 new types of import-substituting units and assemblies for agricultural machinery of domestic manufacturers. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the chief engineer of the enterprise, Andrey Beletsky. "VISTAN" began to master this area after studying the needs of domestic agricultural machinery enterprises in components. "Amidst a decrease in orders for machine tools, we managed to quickly reorient production to the output of alternative products, from documentation development to the preparation of a prototype," noted Andrey Beletsky. Based on the results of 2009, "VISTAN" increased the volume of alternative products output to Br4 billion, which accounted for almost 20% of the total production volume. The most fruitful cooperation was established by the machine-tool builders with OJSC "Bobruiskagromash", for which the Vitebsk plant produces gearboxes and power units used in the production of agricultural machinery for various purposes. "By the middle of last year, we were already working closely with the Bobruisk manufacturer, shipping batches of 50 units monthly," noted Andrey Beletsky. For RUP "Bobruisk Plant of Tractor Parts and Assemblies", Vitebsk machine-tool builders have mastered the production of rear axles for low-power models of "Belarus-622" tractors. Currently, "VISTAN" is completing the formation of its order portfolio for 2010, and it is expected that the share of alternative products in the total production volume will be up to 60%, he added. In 2010, Vitebsk machine-tool builders also plan to participate in the implementation of a project at OJSC "Orshaagroprommash" for the production of the multifunctional trailer "Dnepr". "For this new product, developed by the Orsha manufacturer, we are ready to produce the rear tailgate with a gearbox and plan to supply 300 sets, which 'Orshaagroprommash' will produce on order for the Vitebsk region," said Andrey Beletsky. In addition, "VISTAN's" plans include cooperation with OJSC "Lidselmash" for the production of conveyor gearboxes for grain drying complexes. Vitebsk machine-tool builders are developing a number of units for agricultural machinery on order from the Shchuchin Repair Plant and plan to start serial production of these developments by mid-year, the interlocutor added. RUP "VISTAN" is one of the oldest machine-building enterprises in Belarus and the largest manufacturer of machine-tool products in the CIS. The enterprise produces more than 50 basic models of semi-automatic machines. The quality management system for machine-tool production is certified in accordance with the ISO 9001-2001 standard. -0-