BelAZ to outsource works to Russia, Kazakhstan
"Taking into consideration that it is pretty hard now to get cash for the products sold, the company decided to focus on outsourcing. We have some relevant experience in Belarus: the other day our BelAZ-Service started outsourcing works to Mikashevichi. The first days of operation demonstrated pretty good economic results. Outsourcing has proved efficient in South Africa where we have about 40 vehicles. Now we are focusing on outsourcing operations in the Russian Federation and would like to do the same in Kazakhstan," Oleg Stepuk said.
The company clarified that classical outsourcing is meant, i.e. the use of external sources. In this case, a consumer does not buy vehicles, but approaches either a manufacturer or a carrier and pays money for the service he receives, BelTA reports.
Oleg Stepuk spoke about the company's efforts to implement an upgrade program and set up new production facilities. The program was launched in 2011 and will be completed in 2015. In line with this program, $440 million will be spent on constructing new production facilities and renewing equipment. For example, a new production facility occupying 23,800 square meters was commissioned in August 2013. The total amount of investments into this production facility made up $52 million, 50% of which was spent on the purchase of cutting-edge equipment.
The workshops of the main production unit have been dramatically refitted. By now, the company has received 384 machines with numerical control. "This allows us to be more technologically flexible, to produce the parts needed to assemble a specific model of a quarry truck. This also ensures 100% quality of parts, because a possibility of human mistake is close to zero," Oleg Stepuk said.
The company's immediate plans include the upgrade of painting facilities. Three lines are to be improved. The company wants two-component painting with a painting warranty period of five years. Oleg Stepuk said that this is compliant with modern-day requirements.
Speaking about product sales he noted that the situation on the global market is rather complicated, however exports have been increasing recently.
Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich visited the company on 30 October to study the progress in implementing the modernization program.
Zhodino-based Belarusian Autoworks was founded in September 1948. In 2010 BelAZ was reincorporated into an open joint stock company. In September 2012 BelAZ is the managing company of BelAZ Holding Company. It is the world's largest manufacturer of heavy and super heavy carrying capacity rock haulers as well as other heavy transport equipment used by the mining industry and the civil engineering industry.