28 December, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. In 2011, the enterprises of the Republican Unitary Production Enterprise "Vitebskhlebprom" invested Br18.5 billion in fixed assets, the association informed a BELTA correspondent. The modernisation of enterprises has allowed for an almost 70% update of the product range across the entire association, the introduction of new types of products, and a significant improvement in the quality of manufactured goods. For instance, the Vitebsk Bakery acquired technological equipment for its confectionery workshop and a bun production section, and commissioned a new Italian line for producing Italian-style rusks and breadsticks, which manufactures about ten types of rusk and breadstick products. The Polotsk Bakery launched a new Czech line for producing hearth-baked breads with a capacity of 400 kg per hour. The project cost over Br1.7 billion. For the Orsha Bakery, the main project of the current year was the reconstruction of the confectionery workshop. Its production capacity is about 1 tonne of confectionery products per month, which corresponds to the previously produced volume of goods. The project implementation was aimed at improving the quality of manufactured products and expanding the product range. The Glubokoye and Novolukoml bakeries have begun the reconstruction of their boiler houses, which will allow them to optimise the enterprises' heat supply and reduce energy costs. Other branches of RUPP "Vitebskhlebprom" also carried out technical re-equipment of production facilities, renewal of vehicle fleets, and development of branded retail. For the current year, according to preliminary data, "Vitebskhlebprom" enterprises produced goods worth Br228.2 billion. Bread and bakery products amounted to 57.7 thousand tonnes (102.4% of last year's level), and confectionery products – 1.9 thousand tonnes (122.5%). Sales profitability for January-November was 7.1%. Bread and bakery products, as well as confectionery, were exported to Russia for $1.3 million (150%). Finished goods inventories, with a norm of 12% of the average monthly production volume, are expected to be at the level of 8.5%-9%. RUPP "Vitebskhlebprom" includes 12 bakeries in the region. The total number of employees is about 2.8 thousand people.-0-

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