Results of OJSC "UZKhR" operations in 2013
Interview with the General Director of OJSC "Ural Plant of Chemical Reagents" Oleg Alexandrovich Nekokoshev
– Oleg Alexandrovich, what, in your opinion, are the main results of the plant's work in 2013?
The year was quite intense for us, but its results, overall, are positive. One of the main achievements is the increase in the enterprise's operating profit, the volume of which (excluding income from leasing part of the premises) exceeded target indicators by 30%. These are very good figures, but achieving them required extremely serious effort.
A number of processes related to production concentration (which began back in 2011) were successfully completed. I will tell you what has been done. Equipment for the production of demineralized water, aluminum nitrate, and nickel carbonate was moved from Building No. 2. Now all these units are already operating in Building No. 4 and producing output. The transfer of copper nitrate production began from Building No. 6. In Workshop No. 3, we carried out repairs to the premises on our own and moved the technological laboratory there, which was previously located in rented spaces. Additionally, the task of providing each production site of the enterprise with its own local compressed air supply system has been practically completed. For this purpose, own compressors were installed at the acid warehouse, in Buildings No. 4 and 6. Commissioning work will be completed very soon – no later than the beginning of March. Moving away from the centralized compressed air system allows reducing production costs, and therefore the cost of products. This will increase their competitiveness in the market. The ventilation of the cuprous chloride production unit was also re-equipped. The unit has been launched.
– Were any works related to the repair of workshops and other premises carried out?
Of course. Together with a contractor, the section for the production of silver salts in Building No. 4 was repaired. Now the quality of this product will significantly improve. The old repair and construction workshop was completely reconstructed. A number of utility rooms were repaired with the installation of modern double-glazed windows; several elevators were repaired (a passenger elevator in the plant administration building and a freight elevator in Building No. 6). And finally, we repaired the roofs of the hangars, which allowed us to bring in permanent tenants for these spaces and start generating good additional income.
– Conversely, did you have to dismantle or demolish anything?
Yes. According to the new requirements of Rostechnadzor, we dismantled 9 storage tanks at the acid warehouse, and gas analyzers and level gauges were installed on the remaining ones.
Additionally, at the end of the year, the old overhead crane, which had exhausted its service life, was finally dismantled.
– Did the enterprise participate in industry exhibitions or other business events? What were the results?
In October, we presented our products at the VII International Exhibition "CHEMISTRY - 2013" in Moscow. As a result, we not only once again made our presence known but also found several new clients. These are enterprises from Russia and Belarus. Preliminary agreements have already been signed with them, and orders for 2014 have been received.
– How do you, overall, assess the work of the plant's team?
The plant team worked excellently, and I thank everyone for their good and high-quality work. This gratitude is also backed by material incentives – based on the year's results, employees received a bonus. I am confident that we will be able to accomplish everything planned for 2014, especially since new, experienced people have joined the team.
– And what specifically is planned for 2014?
First of all, we will continue the concentration of production capacities. Within the first six months of the year, the production of Nessler's reagent should be launched in Building No. 4. The implementation of new projects aimed at expanding the product line continues. Work will be carried out on the technical re-equipment of existing productions, and work on implementing the energy-saving program will continue.
– Oleg Alexandrovich, in conclusion – what are the main competitive advantages of OJSC "UZKhR" today?
The most significant advantage is the traditionally high quality of products. On one hand, it is based on the fact that all salts and reagents of UZKhR are produced according to GOST standards developed back in Soviet times. On the other hand, we also use modern approaches to production, new technologies, and equipment. Only thanks to this can we successfully compete in the market with countries that mass-produce lower quality but cheaper chemical products.
Thank you for the interview!
