MINSK, 7 March (BelTA) – The Russian company OOO Triton will invest $1 million in upgrading a pattern glass manufacturing line at OAO Grodno Glassworks. The relevant agreement was signed in the Belarusian Architecture and Construction Ministry on 7 March, BelTA has learned.
Grodno Glassworks Director Yuri Skripko explained that the upgraded line would be commissioned in several months. “We are going to make improved-quality pattern glass. Triton Company will buy half of the output for making shower booths in Russia. The contract provides for the Russian company to consequently buy $9 million worth of glass. We are going to sell the rest home and abroad. This glass is used not only for making shower booths but for making furniture, industrial glass panes and greenhouses,” he said.
Oleg Kornoukhov, Glass Projects Supervisor at OOO Triton, stressed that the implementation of the investment project will allow the Russian company to increase the production of shower booths by roughly one third. Cooperation with the Belarusian company will not be limited to investments. The sides are expected to share the best practices for improving glass treatment technologies.
Belarusian Architecture and Construction Minister Anatoly Cherny remarked that the contract is very important for the development of the Belarusian company. “Today the pattern glass line is not used. It had no future. This project has given the pattern glass line a new lease on life. Apart from shipments to the Russian Federation the glass the upgraded line will make will be used to close the domestic market against imports,” added the official.
Among other major investment projects Anatoly Cherny mentioned the construction of a Belgips factory in Gatovo. The facility is supposed to start making products this year. Promising avenues include the development of production of rock wool, which has a large export potential. The construction materials company Gomelstroymaterialy is considering the proposal on expanding the production of this kind of merchandise. There are plans to use the company's own resources, loans, and direct investments for it.
Founded in 1922, Grodno Glassworks makes glass containers of green glass and colorless glass in addition to offering custom-made containers. The company cooperates with Belarus' largest consumers of glass containers.
