"Vitebskiye Podemniki" company has developed a reversible semi-mounted plough for various soil types, the enterprise reported.

"Vitebskiye Podemniki" company has developed a reversible semi-mounted plough for various soil types, the enterprise reported.

The soil plough unit is an import-substituting analogue of ploughs from well-known foreign manufacturers. It is equipped with a reversible part for ploughing soil from the left and right sides. The frame of the new product from Vitebsk machine builders is made of high-strength Domex steel. In addition, the price of the plough is three times lower compared to imported units.

"Products of similar quality and characteristics are not yet produced in Belarus, so the domestic market opens up broad prospects for us. Along with this, we are serious about working for export: we are planning supplies to the markets of Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Contract negotiations with foreign partners are already underway," specialists noted.

The prototype was developed by the enterprise's designers with the participation of operating organisations. Its performance in the field will be tested next week at the agricultural organisations of the Vitebsk Meat Packing Plant. "Vitebskiye Podemniki" plans to launch the new product into mass production together with the Minsk Gear Plant. The range of units will also be expanded with different modifications of the plough.

In 2019, the production volume at the enterprise increased by almost 26%. About 90% of the products were exported to countries of the near and far abroad. Approximately 40 new jobs were created, and 3,000 sq. m of additional production areas were commissioned. About $1 million of own funds were invested in the purchase of necessary technological equipment. This year, the volume of investments for these purposes is planned to be doubled.

Private Enterprise "Machine-Building Company "Vitebskiye Podemniki" (trademark VIPO) was established in 2004 and is part of a group of complementary legal entities specializing in the development of lifting and handling equipment production. The enterprise manufactures over 85 models of equipment, including drilling and crane-manipulator units, and tail lifts. Annually, the company produces around 450 machines of various types. "Vitebskiye Podemniki" is a corporate partner of leading automotive manufacturers in Belarus and Russia. The head of the enterprise, Andrey Sidorov, is a laureate of the "Person of the Year of Vitebsk Region - 2019" award.