Expanding horizons

New investment projects are planned to be implemented in Grodno Region

It is common knowledge that the implementation of an investment project is a complex and time-consuming process, although the result is definitely worth the effort and money invested. It is instrumental not only to devise a realistic business plan at the initial stage and properly draw up all documents, but also to be ready to promptly solve the emerging difficulties at the project implementation stage. It is at this moment that the quick and coherent work of all interested parties is especially valuable and effective for the project initiator.

Belarus' Development Bank

The Development Bank today provides support for funded projects until they reach production capacities. Specialists are in close contact with representatives of organisations on a daily basis and render practical and methodological assistance. In addition, they consistently visit Belarus’ enterprises, where investment projects important for the regions and the country as a whole are being carried out.  Sergei Stolyarchuk, Chairman of the Board of Belarus’ Development Bank, has recently visited Grodno Region, where 168 investment projects worth Br1.4 billion are planned to be put into effect in 2024. Most of them are import-substituting. Serious attention in Grodno Region is paid to the implementation of the Head of State’s initiative One District — One Project. A pool of 21 projects with an investment volume of Br187 million has been formed with financial support from the Development Bank.

Qualitative approach 

At present, Primemilk is a unique and major manufacturer and exporter of whey-based ingredients for the food and feed industry in the Republic of Belarus, which is known far beyond the borders of the country. An import-substituting enterprise for the production of innovative whey-based products was created in Shchuchin in 2016 with the support of the Development Bank. “The constructed plant is one of the most modern not only in our country, but also in the CIS countries. It meets the most stringent international quality standards and requirements of international product safety management systems,” noted Anatoly Belyavsky, the director of the enterprise.
It is the product quality and safety that are the key competitive advantages of any dairy industry enterprise. Primemilk attaches primary importance to these aspects — the enterprise features physico-chemical and microbiology production laboratories with highly qualified specialists and all necessary cutting-edge testing equipment. “In 2021, we implemented an investment project for the reconstruction of soft cheese production. It is made from whey, which is a by-product of milk-based cheese making,” revealed Anatoly Belyavsky.

Sergei Stolyarchuk (on the left) during his visit to the Primemilk enterprise

The director emphasised that the advantages of soft cheeses for the manufacturer include the efficient use of raw materials, the absence of maturation, the possibility to create and fill a niche in the cheese market promoting the idea of healthy and dietary nutrition.
The company processes about 900 tonnes of whey daily, and produces nearly 30 tonnes of soft cheese and 100 tonnes of dry powder. Its products are almost fully exported and in demand in more than 20 countries around the world. The main consumer on the domestic market is children. Primemilk supplies preschool educational institutions with environmentally friendly, safe and, most importantly, healthy dairy products, which are rich in protein vital for a young body. 
The company plans to implement another investment project with the support of the Development Bank. “Today, in order to be head and shoulders above competitors and work comfortably in the industry, it is necessary to act ahead of the curve — enhance the staff skill level, introduce innovative technologies, occupy vacant niches, produce a wide range of high-quality products,” stressed the Chairman of the Board of the Development Bank.

The construction of new and modernisation of existing production facilities is a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the district.

Packaging matters

Aquapack Industrial LLC, Slonim, Grodno Region. Chief engineer Igor Danilchik   Aleksandr Kushner

The progressive history of the Slonim-based enterprise Aquapack Industrial LLC began with a corrugated cardboard line, followed by equipment for the manufacture of corrugated cardboard products. Now, more than 3,000 types of boxes and packaging are produced at the factory. Up to 5 million square metres of products are produced there per month. The company is focused on the domestic market, while 20 percent is exported. “Our products are used in agriculture, food, chemical and other industries. The geography of supplies includes the domestic market and the near abroad. Working in a competitive environment, we realised that it would be difficult to move forward without expansion and modernisation. That is why it was decided to implement a new project,” said Viktor Mayevsky, the founder of the enterprise.  “The existing production of corrugated cardboard and various boxes leaves scraps. At present, we grind and pack them, then hand them over or sell. The new paper container production project will enable us to streamline our processes. By using waste, we will be able to produce new types of products, such as egg packaging, industrial and household containers,” explained Viktor Mayevsky.
Almost everything is ready to launch a new production — the facility has been built, the equipment has been purchased, and it only remains to complete the commissioning work. “In the age of plastic, manufacturers are increasingly choosing eco-friendly packaging. Cardboard packaging is a convenient, economical and relatively inexpensive type. Therefore, we are not going to stop developing, and plan to continue both the automation of existing processes and mastering new types of in-demand products,” Viktor Mayevsky pointed out.
The company is now getting everything ready for the implementation of another project. The leased areas, which now house the current Aquapack Industrial production, hamper the upgrading and further development of the enterprise. Therefore, the construction of a new factory for the production of corrugated cardboard and packaging will begin in the near future. “It will be built with the use of advanced technologies and fitted with state-of-the-art equipment with higher production performance and energy efficiency. We will have the opportunity to ramp up our production, lower manufacturing costs and expand the range of products,” clarified the founder of the enterprise.

By Vladislav Sychevich