Alexander Subbotin met with the work collective of SOOO "FORTEX - Water Technologies"
Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin visited the joint limited liability company "FORTEX – Water Technologies". He met with the work collective and familiarized himself with the production workshops of the successful Vitebsk enterprise.
This is one of the residents of the "Vitebsk" free economic zone. Like the FEZ, the company recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Its main activity profile concerns the production of equipment in the field of water treatment, wastewater treatment, primarily for the housing and communal services sector, as well as for energy, chemical, and galvanic industries. LLC "FORTEX – Water Technologies" operates under the motto: "Water is our art."
Over the years of operation, about 10 million dollars in equivalent have been invested in the development of the enterprise. Currently, its area occupies 18 thousand square meters. The staff consists of 80 people, with another 20 working as contractors. Sales markets for products are expanding; currently, besides Belarus, the main ones are Azerbaijan, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Labor productivity is increasing (fivefold last year due to the modernization of buildings and technological equipment), and product quality is improving. Four major projects have been implemented for the supply of equipment for liquid, powder, and paint coatings.
– The production philosophy of our enterprise is such that we do not stop at what has been achieved, – states the General Director of LLC "FORTEX – Water Technologies" Ivan Pinchuk. – Currently, pre-project work is underway for the supply of equipment for organizing the production of grinding balls, which are necessary in the mining industry, particularly for OJSC "Belaruskali". The implementation of this project is planned for next year.
The positive attitude of the staff is confirmed by the fact that the employees began their conversation with Alexander Subbotin by expressing gratitude to the regional and city leadership for the positive changes: road repairs, the appearance of new socially significant facilities, and order in the regional center. Moreover, similar progress has been noted in other regions of Vitebsk Oblast where SOOO "FORTEX – Water Technologies" has launched its facilities.
An engaging discussion was held on extracurricular activities for children, particularly free clubs and sections, and places for their active and beneficial pastime.
The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee announced that locations are planned to be organized in various parts of Vitebsk, which will become centers of attraction for residents. One of them, the Student Square near VSU named after P. Masherov, is expected to open by September 1. It will feature an indoor outdoor cinema, modern children's playgrounds, "smart" benches, walking paths, a large street food area, and other interesting elements.
An equally important facility is the Park of the 1000th Anniversary of Vitebsk. Its location near the Ice Palace obliges visitors to emulate Vitebsk hockey players. They delight their fellow citizens with their successes: HC "Vitebsk" has twice in a row become the winner of the Seley Cup, and a club alumnus, Vladislav Yeremenko, has won the Gagarin Cup. The construction of the largest skate park in Belarus, a location for practicing skateboarding, which is popular with today's youth, is nearing completion here. In addition, it has been enhanced with children's playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment.
Furthermore, work is underway within the park to organize a new public space for holding ceremonial events – the Flag and Emblem Square.
"Undoubtedly, the adornment of our city is its embankment and temples; it is these that are depicted on all souvenir postcards from Vitebsk today," noted Alexander Subbotin. "Therefore, we will continue to assist in the construction of religious buildings and the improvement of the banks of the Western Dvina."
Ivan Pinchuk remarked that the enterprise he heads has contributed to the construction of the Orthodox Church of Saint Archangel Michael and the Bodiless Heavenly Powers on Voinev-Internatsionalistov Street. The funds from SOOO "FORTEX – Water Technologies" will be used for the installation of gilded domes and crystal crosses.
The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee thanked the enterprise for this contribution and announced that the facilities at the intersection of Chkalov and Voinev-Internatsionalistov Streets – the "Bol" memorial, the church, and the bath and wellness complex – will require close attention: completion, reconstruction, and landscaping of their territories.
Alexander Subbotin spoke about the ongoing and prospective construction in Vitebsk: a new surgical building for the regional clinical hospital, and a large sports complex in the Bilevo microdistrict.
Representatives of the staff touched upon issues that are sensitive to them, in particular, regarding the increased responsibility of owners for stray animals appearing on the streets. Private issues concerning housing and communal services have been taken under control for prompt resolution.
– We were told that due to sanctions, life at our enterprises, in cities and villages would worsen. In reality, we see stable work and decent wages, production development, and an improved quality of life in our hometown, – summarized the enterprise's employees. – And such meetings strengthen trust in the authorities, confirming that our thoughts and hopes coincide.