District-scale project: turnkey heating mains are manufactured in Dyatlovo
Photo is illustrative in nature. From open sources.
If you, like most Belarusians, consider the Dyatlovo District of the Grodno Region to be agricultural, you should know: this is a mistake. it is industrial. And the small town itself, which is located far from major highways and railways, is a city that has twice been recognized as the best in the country for doing business.
BELTA correspondents went to the west of Belarus to understand why investments flock to Dyatlovo , and why employees of each enterprise consider the city to be the best.
Focus on energy efficiency
The group of enterprises OOO Izokom and OOO Izokom Plast have a dynamic history of development. Now they are a striking example of an import-substituting and export-oriented business model in the Belarusian industry.
And it all began in 2004 on the site of an abandoned wooden structures plant. The foundation of the future largest industrial giant of the region was laid by only five people per 100 square meters. Now OOO Izokom and OOO Izokom Plast have 270 employees, and their profits amount to many millions.
By the way, the team of workers here is quite young. The average age is up to 40 years. We realized this even before we entered the administrative building of the enterprise: only young faces looked at us from the photographs on the local Honor Board.
The basis for the creation of a thriving business in Dyatlovo more than 20 years ago was the resolution of the Council of Ministers. According to it, only pipes in polyurethane foam insulation were allowed to be used in the installation of heating networks. At that time, such products were imported from Germany, the queue for deliveries stretched for six months. "Izokom" decided to occupy a promising niche.
The company initially aimed at gradually expanding the product line and deepening its processing. Therefore, step by step, competencies were built up. Over time, welding, metal and plastic cutting shops were created, the production of all components for pipelines was mastered, and later - the supply of heating mains "turnkey".
The group of companies has been continuously developing for two decades. And today, in addition to classic PI pipes and fittings, a wide range of polymers are produced here: flexible polymer insulated pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene, pressure pipes made of polyethylene for water and gas pipelines, heat-shrinkable couplings and casing pipes, providing a full production cycle. The
company cites its high-tech laboratory, accredited for compliance with the standards of Belarus, the Russian Federation and the European Union, as its powerful competitive advantage.
This allows for a full cycle of product testing, and their results are recognized in the mandatory confirmation of compliance for deliveries to the market of both the EAEU and the EU.. The uniqueness of the laboratory is that it can conduct thermal conductivity tests on a finished section of a complete pipe on a specialized stand. This method allows obtaining accurate and reliable data on thermal characteristics.
At Izokom Plast they note: the local scientific and testing base is comparable with the leading centers in Dresden and Moscow, but has the ability to quickly control quality directly at the production site.
Another advantage over competitors is the use of advanced cyclopentane foaming technology. Such pipes maintain stable performance throughout their 30-year service life, while PI pipes with CO₂ foaming, which are widespread in our country, do not meet long-term energy efficiency requirements. Their thermal conductivity exceeds the norm by 10% after 4-5 years, and the service life is reduced to 5-10 years.
If we calculate the financial benefit from using pipes manufactured using cyclopentane foaming technology, it will amount to about 725 thousand US dollars , provided that 817 km of networks are replaced annually.
Having already conquered the Belarusian market, the company is now focused primarily on exports . The most promising direction is RUSSIA , where the degree of wear of heating networks reaches 80%. This is a huge market that requires large production capacities. Large investments and the President's initiative "One district - one project" helped the Dyatlovo enterprise increase them. Thanks to it, a unique line for the CIS countries for the production of plastic reinforced pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene with insulation based on the foaming agent cyclopentane was created from scratch. In addition to the main effect, this allows saving up to 16% of heat loss.
The launch of the new line not only strengthened the EXPORT potential of the enterprise, but also allowed the creation of 20 high-tech jobs. This was good news for residents of the region. After all, many would like to work for Izokom and Izokom Plast. In Dyatlovo and beyond, it is known that the company's management pays great attention to creating comfortable working conditions and developing its personnel. Many employees have built a career here thanks to this.
For example, extrusion shop foreman Sergei Novikov came to Izokom about 15 years ago as an ordinary worker. He recalls that what impressed him most was not even the production, which was already modern back then, but the living conditions:
- They always took care of the workers' comfort here. Now it seems: big deal, toilets, showers, sinks, water coolers, a canteen - nothing special! But in 2010, this was perceived as luxury compared to the conditions at the enterprise where I worked before Izokom. What showers and canteens were there? We even had to drink water from a hose that was brought into the shop for production needs, - recalls Sergei Novikov.
The company developed before his eyes: new lines, equipment, loaders were purchased - everything necessary to make work easier and increase productivity. Sergey also moved forward with the enterprise: from simple workers he retrained as a machinist, then as a foreman. He notes that the local staff is a real team interested in excellent results:
- The management listens to our wishes, but we always meet them halfway: if we need to stay longer in the workshop to fulfill an order, we will never refuse. We work for the common good!
And now new equipment is being installed here. From time to time, we have to extend the working day - everyone wants to finish the process as quickly as possible, because in any business, time is money .
- We understand that our earnings depend on the successful operation of the enterprise. By the standards of Dyatlovo and other small towns, they are good, - the foreman says. - We invest in development as much as we can, offer solutions to improve production. The management appreciates initiative, and we like the fact that everyone is given the opportunity to prove themselves. I believe that Izokom and Izokom Plast are the best enterprises with an excellent team.
The group of companies notes that their effective HR policy has helped them strengthen their positions in the foreign and domestic markets. And also their focus on innovation, strategic vision and energy efficiency. They manufacture products that contribute to the implementation of Directive No. 3, as well as key state programs such as Energy Saving and Comfortable Housing and Favorable Environment, and the Concept of Heat Supply Development. Thanks to their unique experience in implementing energy-saving solutions, Izokom Plast and Izokom have established themselves as leading national manufacturers of pre-insulated pipes. Bending their lines The employees of OAO Dyatlovskaya Selkhoztekhnika also call their enterprise the best. It is here that the famous milking machines Yolochka and Parallel are manufactured, which can be seen on many dairy farms. To understand how popular this equipment is, it is enough to know just one fact: it makes up more than 90% of all the products of "Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery", and no one works in the warehouse here. In addition to milking machines, the company produces box fences, manure removal systems, automatic drinkers and more. Moreover, for each farm, equipment is selected individually - depending on its design.
Assembly mechanic Petr Pashukevich came to work at the enterprise back in 2008. He says he was tired of turning the steering wheel. In addition, Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery offered a higher salary and free training as a bonus. He agreed and did not regret it. Every day early in the morning, without waiting for the bus that takes all the employees of Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery from the district center to work, Petr gets into his car:
- As they say, just two songs on the radio - and you're there, - the mechanic smiles.
Everything he knows now, he learned right in the workshop. That's probably why he quickly got into the process.
- No theory - only practice! I started with sprayers, assembled more than 150 of them. To this day, they "run" across the fields of all of Belarus, - the interlocutor proudly notes.
When the company started producing new products, Petr Pashukevich was entrusted with working on the famous "Parallels" and "Yolochki". Today, on a brand new machine, he gives the necessary shape to the parts of future milking machines.
- Our equipment is great. They are constantly updating it, so it doesn't malfunction, doesn't break down, and does all the operations perfectly. It's a pleasure to work with. We bought this one a little over a year ago. Powerful! - the mechanic briefly describes the brand new machine.
The HEAD of the agricultural machinery production workshop, Denis Zhigalo, confirms that it is not customary to save on equipment here. Every year it becomes more complex, but also more accurate:
- A lot has changed in the 13 years of my work here. We are increasingly moving away from manual labor, using mechanized CNC. It is easier to perform our tasks on such machines, and they also provide many new opportunities. We set up the equipment ourselves: we have studied all the programs, figured it out, so we are ready to fulfill a wide variety of orders.
And sometimes the orders that come to the company are truly extraordinary. In projects where a creative streak is essential, welder Dmitry Yarmolovich is irreplaceable.
- He is like a metal artist: he sees a sketch in the most general terms and immediately suggests how it can be made more interesting. For example, a forged carriage and swing appeared in Dyatlovo. And what unusual barbecues he makes! We always take them to exhibitions where we show our products, because many people gather around them. Then we see photos of these barbecues and enthusiastic reviews on social networks.
One of the latest acquisitions of Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery is a machine for laser cutting of metal. Its assembly is not yet complete, but the workers have already given their verdict: the equipment is simply space.
- Out of this world technology! - assures turner Vasily Matyuk.
And his opinion can be trusted: Vasily Nikolaevich is entrusted with the most difficult tasks as the most experienced employee. He is one of those who can turn any part not only according to drawings, but also according to a sample, because over the long years of work at the enterprise he has mastered many machines. Now in the room where Vasily Matyuk works, there are about a dozen machines. And the turner can show a master class on almost each one.
- I have been working in the same place for 40 years. There were different times. It happened that we were worried: will the enterprise survive. But we always managed to cope with difficult situations - there were no downtimes. And now there is a lot of work, - assures Vasily Nikolaevich.
DIRECTOR Vladimir Zhikh, who headed OAO Dyatlovskaya Selkhoztekhnika in 2021, claims that he got a good enterprise, but there was room to grow. For this, new equipment was needed to modernize fixed assets. As time has shown, all the decisions made were correct.
- Now we supply our products all over the country, - notes Vladimir Zhikh and explains why good equipment on farms is critically important: - It is no secret that there is a shortage of personnel in agriculture. Modern technology allows us to minimize manual labor and at the same time increase the level of technological discipline.
The director of "Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery" does not hide the fact that it is difficult to work in this niche - the competition is tough. Only products with an ideal price-quality ratio can win it.
- Technical re-equipment and import substitution help to achieve this. It is important for customers that we have our own network of service centers throughout the country. This makes it possible to provide high-quality maintenance of the equipment so that it works as long as possible. I consider this one of the main points in operation. A machine that is not technically serviced will break down, important product parameters may deteriorate, for example, MILK quality , - the director emphasizes.
Relying on time-tested "Parallels" and "Yolochki", the company tries to regularly release new products. Recently, they began manufacturing an automatic cow herder. Interest in it has been shown not only in Belarus, but also in Russia: the first sample has already been exported. The nearest plans include launching the production of milking machines "Karusel".
Agriculture in figures
Although Dyatlovshchina is not an agricultural region, there are certainly enterprises of this profile here. And what enterprises! One of the best among them is the agricultural branch of "AgroMilk". Five years ago it was called "Rus-Agro" and had far from rosy prospects. Everything changed after the enterprise was transferred to the RUE "Belorusneft-Grodnooblnefteprodukt".
Aleksandr Grinkevich, manager of the AgroMilk agricultural farm, does not hide the fact that it was not easy at first. The entire base, including farms, farmyards, equipment and even the soil required serious investments - material, physical, scientific and personnel. But through joint efforts, in a short period of time, it was possible to build a clear technological process in both crop production and livestock farming.
- We started with strengthening the material and technical base. In the first two years, we updated the motor and tractor fleet by 85%. Then we started working on feed. We achieved that we laid down a reserve for two years in advance. Now all that remains is to maintain this volume, - notes Aleksandr Maryanovich.
The next step was the construction of a dairy complex. MTC Zasetye opened in 2024 and became the second after MTC Khodevyany, which began operating in 2010.
- We staffed the new dairy complex with our own livestock. Currently, there are 825 cows here, including 777 dairy cows. Each one produces about 26 liters of milk per day, - says the manager of the agricultural branch and specifies: - In total, there are more than 4.5 thousand heads in AgroMilk, almost 2 thousand of which are in the dairy herd.
Alexander Maryanovich notes that Zasetye has a good team. Although it is relatively small, only 25 workers, but everyone knows their business thoroughly and treats it with love.
Evelina Lazorenko has been working as a veterinarian for only a month. During this time, she managed to participate in vaccinations , mastitis treatment and the installation of IVs. The young specialist herself asked to be assigned to AgroMilk, although the choice was from 12 agricultural enterprises across the country.
- Firstly, I adore large animals. Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, and when I was already studying this specialty, I realized that I was not interested in pets. So I couldn’t work in a private veterinary clinic, the girl is sure. - Secondly, I had an internship at AgroMilk and I really liked it. It has excellent equipment, a good manager, the team is just super! The attitude towards young specialists is wonderful. I have my own office both at the MTC and at the farm, they don’t skimp on veterinary drugs - you can order everything you need, because everyone understands the importance of animal HEALTH.
Marina Ivanashko, the head of the MTC Zasetye, has been working here a little longer. Although she has two higher educations - veterinarian and economist, she had to learn a lot in her new place.
- The work is very interesting, because they use a lot of new technologies. For example, each cow has not only a tag, but also an identification chip. The digital code contains data on health, vaccinations and other necessary information. To find it out, you don’t even need to go to the computer: scan the chip - see everything on the smartphone screen, - Marina notes and adds,that mastering the digital livestock program was not easy, but necessary:
- It eliminates a lot of paperwork, systematizes everything and makes the work of livestock specialists and veterinarians much easier. Every morning I start by finding out about the condition of the dairy herd. Now it takes very little time, whereas before it would have taken a long time to search for the necessary information in several paper journals.
Each specialist of the veterinary service at AgroMilk starts the day with this program: thanks to it, all the operations that need to be performed during the day are visible. Convenient! By the way, digitalization is also used here in feeding: the technical service makes a plan separately for each group of the herd.
- We have it sorted by physiological data. Based on them, the ration is calculated. If necessary, it can be adjusted - both in volume and in quality indicators, - says Alexander Grinkevich. - In addition, almost all rooms where animals are kept have headlocks for easy fixation. This is very convenient for vaccination and preventive measures.
Just one or two people are enough to fix the animals in headlocks, read their chips with a special device and find out the necessary information about the cow. This program also includes all vaccination and preventive treatment schedules.
Big changes are coming soon to one of the AgroMilk farms. The last time it was re-equipped was 20 years ago, during which time the material and technical base there has objectively become outdated. But the business plan has already been developed, the idea has been supported by RUE Belorusneft-Grodnooblnefteprodukt, which means that large-scale reconstruction is about to begin.
- Milk production consistently brings the greatest profit: its sale reaches 75-80% of the total revenue, - explains Alexander Maryanovich, focusing on livestock farming. - However, we also work well in crop production. We grow grain, corn, legumes and rapeseed, which we rely on. For us, this is the most profitable crop. This year, we sowed about 800 hectares of winter rapeseed, and for the first time we are trying to grow spring rapeseed - 400 hectares were allocated for it.
Digital technologies in AgroMilk have also reached the fields. The automated control system allows you to track everything that happens on agricultural land without leaving your office. The work of specialists is planned literally down to the minute.
- Each plant grower clearly knows the plan of his work - it is created in advance by the agronomic service. Our fields are digitalized, and all tractors are equipped with navigation, because we use precision farming technology. All this allows us to track the work in real time, - says the manager of the agricultural farm.
He draws attention to the fact that 2025-2026 are especially important for AgroMilk. Important development projects are planned for them. For example, a grain drying complex with a capacity of 60 tons per hour and bunkers for storing 12 thousand tons of grain are currently under construction.
- This is a pressing issue for us. In 2020, we started with 5-6 thousand tons of gross grain volume. Today, this figure is already 15 thousand tons: 10 thousand in the grain group and 5 thousand - corn grain. The existing grain drying complexes will not cope with this volume of products, - explains Alexander Grinkevich.
Now the harvesting is coming to an end in the AgroMilk fields. The manager of the agricultural farm notes that the capricious weather of this summer forces us to catch every minute without rain, every now and then moving from field to field.
- The equipment goes out to harvest early in the morning, sometimes we work until one in the morning. The team understands this. Everyone sees the conditions in which we have to fight for the harvest. In addition, each machine operator and driver is interested in working well - earnings depend on it.
But it's not just about money, - says Alexander Maryanovich. - Agricultural workers understand that harvesting is a top priority now. We must give the country bread. Therefore, everyone tries to give 100%.
DIRECT SPEECH
Olga Zhelezovskaya, Deputy Chairperson of the Dyatlovo District Executive Committee:
- Our district is unique in that absolutely everything that is produced is processed here. Largely thanks to the enterprises, last year we entered the top 10 districts with the highest level of socio-economic development, beating more than a hundred applicants. And based on the results of 2022, the Dyatlovo District was included on the Republican Honor Board for the first time in its history.
At the same time, we see that enterprises are determined to actively develop, including with the help of investments. Small and medium-sized businesses , which do not always have enough of their own funds for something large-scale, are especially interested in them. For them, financing under the "One District - One Project" initiative is very tangible and important support from the state.
And for the district too. It is not only that a developing enterprise receives more profit and, accordingly, pays more taxes, which form the local budget. Investment projects always imply the creation of new jobs. And for the regions it is very important that people do not leave for big cities, for this they need to be given the opportunity to earn well in their small homeland. And in order for young people to come here, it is necessary to build rental housing. Money for this is also allocated from the budget. The entire social sphere is financed from it, and generously: 85% of the budget is directed there. Therefore, for example, now we have the opportunity to reconstruct the sports and recreation center, and before that we invested quite a lot of money in the renovation of the hospital.
We are glad that there are more opportunities to attract investment and that enterprises are happy to join them. For example, our famous sanatorium "Alpha Radon" is starting to build a new building thanks to the investment project. This means that even more vacationers will come to the Dyatlovsky district, and local residents will get 22 new jobs. Another 25 jobs will appear after the modernization of the plant for the production of vegetable oils in the urban settlement of Novoelnya - also within the framework of the investment project.
Initiatives such as "One district - one project" give enterprises the opportunity to move forward, and with them - entire regions.
Elena KRYLOVA
Photo by Sergey SHELEG
BELTA correspondents went to the west of Belarus to understand why investments flock to Dyatlovo , and why employees of each enterprise consider the city to be the best.
Focus on energy efficiency
The group of enterprises OOO Izokom and OOO Izokom Plast have a dynamic history of development. Now they are a striking example of an import-substituting and export-oriented business model in the Belarusian industry.
And it all began in 2004 on the site of an abandoned wooden structures plant. The foundation of the future largest industrial giant of the region was laid by only five people per 100 square meters. Now OOO Izokom and OOO Izokom Plast have 270 employees, and their profits amount to many millions.
By the way, the team of workers here is quite young. The average age is up to 40 years. We realized this even before we entered the administrative building of the enterprise: only young faces looked at us from the photographs on the local Honor Board.
The basis for the creation of a thriving business in Dyatlovo more than 20 years ago was the resolution of the Council of Ministers. According to it, only pipes in polyurethane foam insulation were allowed to be used in the installation of heating networks. At that time, such products were imported from Germany, the queue for deliveries stretched for six months. "Izokom" decided to occupy a promising niche.
The company initially aimed at gradually expanding the product line and deepening its processing. Therefore, step by step, competencies were built up. Over time, welding, metal and plastic cutting shops were created, the production of all components for pipelines was mastered, and later - the supply of heating mains "turnkey".
The group of companies has been continuously developing for two decades. And today, in addition to classic PI pipes and fittings, a wide range of polymers are produced here: flexible polymer insulated pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene, pressure pipes made of polyethylene for water and gas pipelines, heat-shrinkable couplings and casing pipes, providing a full production cycle. The
company cites its high-tech laboratory, accredited for compliance with the standards of Belarus, the Russian Federation and the European Union, as its powerful competitive advantage.
This allows for a full cycle of product testing, and their results are recognized in the mandatory confirmation of compliance for deliveries to the market of both the EAEU and the EU.. The uniqueness of the laboratory is that it can conduct thermal conductivity tests on a finished section of a complete pipe on a specialized stand. This method allows obtaining accurate and reliable data on thermal characteristics.
At Izokom Plast they note: the local scientific and testing base is comparable with the leading centers in Dresden and Moscow, but has the ability to quickly control quality directly at the production site.
Another advantage over competitors is the use of advanced cyclopentane foaming technology. Such pipes maintain stable performance throughout their 30-year service life, while PI pipes with CO₂ foaming, which are widespread in our country, do not meet long-term energy efficiency requirements. Their thermal conductivity exceeds the norm by 10% after 4-5 years, and the service life is reduced to 5-10 years.
If we calculate the financial benefit from using pipes manufactured using cyclopentane foaming technology, it will amount to about 725 thousand US dollars , provided that 817 km of networks are replaced annually.
Having already conquered the Belarusian market, the company is now focused primarily on exports . The most promising direction is RUSSIA , where the degree of wear of heating networks reaches 80%. This is a huge market that requires large production capacities. Large investments and the President's initiative "One district - one project" helped the Dyatlovo enterprise increase them. Thanks to it, a unique line for the CIS countries for the production of plastic reinforced pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene with insulation based on the foaming agent cyclopentane was created from scratch. In addition to the main effect, this allows saving up to 16% of heat loss.
The launch of the new line not only strengthened the EXPORT potential of the enterprise, but also allowed the creation of 20 high-tech jobs. This was good news for residents of the region. After all, many would like to work for Izokom and Izokom Plast. In Dyatlovo and beyond, it is known that the company's management pays great attention to creating comfortable working conditions and developing its personnel. Many employees have built a career here thanks to this.
For example, extrusion shop foreman Sergei Novikov came to Izokom about 15 years ago as an ordinary worker. He recalls that what impressed him most was not even the production, which was already modern back then, but the living conditions:
- They always took care of the workers' comfort here. Now it seems: big deal, toilets, showers, sinks, water coolers, a canteen - nothing special! But in 2010, this was perceived as luxury compared to the conditions at the enterprise where I worked before Izokom. What showers and canteens were there? We even had to drink water from a hose that was brought into the shop for production needs, - recalls Sergei Novikov.
The company developed before his eyes: new lines, equipment, loaders were purchased - everything necessary to make work easier and increase productivity. Sergey also moved forward with the enterprise: from simple workers he retrained as a machinist, then as a foreman. He notes that the local staff is a real team interested in excellent results:
- The management listens to our wishes, but we always meet them halfway: if we need to stay longer in the workshop to fulfill an order, we will never refuse. We work for the common good!
And now new equipment is being installed here. From time to time, we have to extend the working day - everyone wants to finish the process as quickly as possible, because in any business, time is money .
- We understand that our earnings depend on the successful operation of the enterprise. By the standards of Dyatlovo and other small towns, they are good, - the foreman says. - We invest in development as much as we can, offer solutions to improve production. The management appreciates initiative, and we like the fact that everyone is given the opportunity to prove themselves. I believe that Izokom and Izokom Plast are the best enterprises with an excellent team.
The group of companies notes that their effective HR policy has helped them strengthen their positions in the foreign and domestic markets. And also their focus on innovation, strategic vision and energy efficiency. They manufacture products that contribute to the implementation of Directive No. 3, as well as key state programs such as Energy Saving and Comfortable Housing and Favorable Environment, and the Concept of Heat Supply Development. Thanks to their unique experience in implementing energy-saving solutions, Izokom Plast and Izokom have established themselves as leading national manufacturers of pre-insulated pipes. Bending their lines The employees of OAO Dyatlovskaya Selkhoztekhnika also call their enterprise the best. It is here that the famous milking machines Yolochka and Parallel are manufactured, which can be seen on many dairy farms. To understand how popular this equipment is, it is enough to know just one fact: it makes up more than 90% of all the products of "Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery", and no one works in the warehouse here. In addition to milking machines, the company produces box fences, manure removal systems, automatic drinkers and more. Moreover, for each farm, equipment is selected individually - depending on its design.
Assembly mechanic Petr Pashukevich came to work at the enterprise back in 2008. He says he was tired of turning the steering wheel. In addition, Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery offered a higher salary and free training as a bonus. He agreed and did not regret it. Every day early in the morning, without waiting for the bus that takes all the employees of Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery from the district center to work, Petr gets into his car:
- As they say, just two songs on the radio - and you're there, - the mechanic smiles.
Everything he knows now, he learned right in the workshop. That's probably why he quickly got into the process.
- No theory - only practice! I started with sprayers, assembled more than 150 of them. To this day, they "run" across the fields of all of Belarus, - the interlocutor proudly notes.
When the company started producing new products, Petr Pashukevich was entrusted with working on the famous "Parallels" and "Yolochki". Today, on a brand new machine, he gives the necessary shape to the parts of future milking machines.
- Our equipment is great. They are constantly updating it, so it doesn't malfunction, doesn't break down, and does all the operations perfectly. It's a pleasure to work with. We bought this one a little over a year ago. Powerful! - the mechanic briefly describes the brand new machine.
The HEAD of the agricultural machinery production workshop, Denis Zhigalo, confirms that it is not customary to save on equipment here. Every year it becomes more complex, but also more accurate:
- A lot has changed in the 13 years of my work here. We are increasingly moving away from manual labor, using mechanized CNC. It is easier to perform our tasks on such machines, and they also provide many new opportunities. We set up the equipment ourselves: we have studied all the programs, figured it out, so we are ready to fulfill a wide variety of orders.
And sometimes the orders that come to the company are truly extraordinary. In projects where a creative streak is essential, welder Dmitry Yarmolovich is irreplaceable.
- He is like a metal artist: he sees a sketch in the most general terms and immediately suggests how it can be made more interesting. For example, a forged carriage and swing appeared in Dyatlovo. And what unusual barbecues he makes! We always take them to exhibitions where we show our products, because many people gather around them. Then we see photos of these barbecues and enthusiastic reviews on social networks.
One of the latest acquisitions of Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery is a machine for laser cutting of metal. Its assembly is not yet complete, but the workers have already given their verdict: the equipment is simply space.
- Out of this world technology! - assures turner Vasily Matyuk.
And his opinion can be trusted: Vasily Nikolaevich is entrusted with the most difficult tasks as the most experienced employee. He is one of those who can turn any part not only according to drawings, but also according to a sample, because over the long years of work at the enterprise he has mastered many machines. Now in the room where Vasily Matyuk works, there are about a dozen machines. And the turner can show a master class on almost each one.
- I have been working in the same place for 40 years. There were different times. It happened that we were worried: will the enterprise survive. But we always managed to cope with difficult situations - there were no downtimes. And now there is a lot of work, - assures Vasily Nikolaevich.
DIRECTOR Vladimir Zhikh, who headed OAO Dyatlovskaya Selkhoztekhnika in 2021, claims that he got a good enterprise, but there was room to grow. For this, new equipment was needed to modernize fixed assets. As time has shown, all the decisions made were correct.
- Now we supply our products all over the country, - notes Vladimir Zhikh and explains why good equipment on farms is critically important: - It is no secret that there is a shortage of personnel in agriculture. Modern technology allows us to minimize manual labor and at the same time increase the level of technological discipline.
The director of "Dyatlovo Agricultural Machinery" does not hide the fact that it is difficult to work in this niche - the competition is tough. Only products with an ideal price-quality ratio can win it.
- Technical re-equipment and import substitution help to achieve this. It is important for customers that we have our own network of service centers throughout the country. This makes it possible to provide high-quality maintenance of the equipment so that it works as long as possible. I consider this one of the main points in operation. A machine that is not technically serviced will break down, important product parameters may deteriorate, for example, MILK quality , - the director emphasizes.
Relying on time-tested "Parallels" and "Yolochki", the company tries to regularly release new products. Recently, they began manufacturing an automatic cow herder. Interest in it has been shown not only in Belarus, but also in Russia: the first sample has already been exported. The nearest plans include launching the production of milking machines "Karusel".
Agriculture in figures
Although Dyatlovshchina is not an agricultural region, there are certainly enterprises of this profile here. And what enterprises! One of the best among them is the agricultural branch of "AgroMilk". Five years ago it was called "Rus-Agro" and had far from rosy prospects. Everything changed after the enterprise was transferred to the RUE "Belorusneft-Grodnooblnefteprodukt".
Aleksandr Grinkevich, manager of the AgroMilk agricultural farm, does not hide the fact that it was not easy at first. The entire base, including farms, farmyards, equipment and even the soil required serious investments - material, physical, scientific and personnel. But through joint efforts, in a short period of time, it was possible to build a clear technological process in both crop production and livestock farming.
- We started with strengthening the material and technical base. In the first two years, we updated the motor and tractor fleet by 85%. Then we started working on feed. We achieved that we laid down a reserve for two years in advance. Now all that remains is to maintain this volume, - notes Aleksandr Maryanovich.
The next step was the construction of a dairy complex. MTC Zasetye opened in 2024 and became the second after MTC Khodevyany, which began operating in 2010.
- We staffed the new dairy complex with our own livestock. Currently, there are 825 cows here, including 777 dairy cows. Each one produces about 26 liters of milk per day, - says the manager of the agricultural branch and specifies: - In total, there are more than 4.5 thousand heads in AgroMilk, almost 2 thousand of which are in the dairy herd.
Alexander Maryanovich notes that Zasetye has a good team. Although it is relatively small, only 25 workers, but everyone knows their business thoroughly and treats it with love.
Evelina Lazorenko has been working as a veterinarian for only a month. During this time, she managed to participate in vaccinations , mastitis treatment and the installation of IVs. The young specialist herself asked to be assigned to AgroMilk, although the choice was from 12 agricultural enterprises across the country.
- Firstly, I adore large animals. Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, and when I was already studying this specialty, I realized that I was not interested in pets. So I couldn’t work in a private veterinary clinic, the girl is sure. - Secondly, I had an internship at AgroMilk and I really liked it. It has excellent equipment, a good manager, the team is just super! The attitude towards young specialists is wonderful. I have my own office both at the MTC and at the farm, they don’t skimp on veterinary drugs - you can order everything you need, because everyone understands the importance of animal HEALTH.
Marina Ivanashko, the head of the MTC Zasetye, has been working here a little longer. Although she has two higher educations - veterinarian and economist, she had to learn a lot in her new place.
- The work is very interesting, because they use a lot of new technologies. For example, each cow has not only a tag, but also an identification chip. The digital code contains data on health, vaccinations and other necessary information. To find it out, you don’t even need to go to the computer: scan the chip - see everything on the smartphone screen, - Marina notes and adds,that mastering the digital livestock program was not easy, but necessary:
- It eliminates a lot of paperwork, systematizes everything and makes the work of livestock specialists and veterinarians much easier. Every morning I start by finding out about the condition of the dairy herd. Now it takes very little time, whereas before it would have taken a long time to search for the necessary information in several paper journals.
Each specialist of the veterinary service at AgroMilk starts the day with this program: thanks to it, all the operations that need to be performed during the day are visible. Convenient! By the way, digitalization is also used here in feeding: the technical service makes a plan separately for each group of the herd.
- We have it sorted by physiological data. Based on them, the ration is calculated. If necessary, it can be adjusted - both in volume and in quality indicators, - says Alexander Grinkevich. - In addition, almost all rooms where animals are kept have headlocks for easy fixation. This is very convenient for vaccination and preventive measures.
Just one or two people are enough to fix the animals in headlocks, read their chips with a special device and find out the necessary information about the cow. This program also includes all vaccination and preventive treatment schedules.
Big changes are coming soon to one of the AgroMilk farms. The last time it was re-equipped was 20 years ago, during which time the material and technical base there has objectively become outdated. But the business plan has already been developed, the idea has been supported by RUE Belorusneft-Grodnooblnefteprodukt, which means that large-scale reconstruction is about to begin.
- Milk production consistently brings the greatest profit: its sale reaches 75-80% of the total revenue, - explains Alexander Maryanovich, focusing on livestock farming. - However, we also work well in crop production. We grow grain, corn, legumes and rapeseed, which we rely on. For us, this is the most profitable crop. This year, we sowed about 800 hectares of winter rapeseed, and for the first time we are trying to grow spring rapeseed - 400 hectares were allocated for it.
Digital technologies in AgroMilk have also reached the fields. The automated control system allows you to track everything that happens on agricultural land without leaving your office. The work of specialists is planned literally down to the minute.
- Each plant grower clearly knows the plan of his work - it is created in advance by the agronomic service. Our fields are digitalized, and all tractors are equipped with navigation, because we use precision farming technology. All this allows us to track the work in real time, - says the manager of the agricultural farm.
He draws attention to the fact that 2025-2026 are especially important for AgroMilk. Important development projects are planned for them. For example, a grain drying complex with a capacity of 60 tons per hour and bunkers for storing 12 thousand tons of grain are currently under construction.
- This is a pressing issue for us. In 2020, we started with 5-6 thousand tons of gross grain volume. Today, this figure is already 15 thousand tons: 10 thousand in the grain group and 5 thousand - corn grain. The existing grain drying complexes will not cope with this volume of products, - explains Alexander Grinkevich.
Now the harvesting is coming to an end in the AgroMilk fields. The manager of the agricultural farm notes that the capricious weather of this summer forces us to catch every minute without rain, every now and then moving from field to field.
- The equipment goes out to harvest early in the morning, sometimes we work until one in the morning. The team understands this. Everyone sees the conditions in which we have to fight for the harvest. In addition, each machine operator and driver is interested in working well - earnings depend on it.
But it's not just about money, - says Alexander Maryanovich. - Agricultural workers understand that harvesting is a top priority now. We must give the country bread. Therefore, everyone tries to give 100%.
DIRECT SPEECH
Olga Zhelezovskaya, Deputy Chairperson of the Dyatlovo District Executive Committee:
- Our district is unique in that absolutely everything that is produced is processed here. Largely thanks to the enterprises, last year we entered the top 10 districts with the highest level of socio-economic development, beating more than a hundred applicants. And based on the results of 2022, the Dyatlovo District was included on the Republican Honor Board for the first time in its history.
At the same time, we see that enterprises are determined to actively develop, including with the help of investments. Small and medium-sized businesses , which do not always have enough of their own funds for something large-scale, are especially interested in them. For them, financing under the "One District - One Project" initiative is very tangible and important support from the state.
And for the district too. It is not only that a developing enterprise receives more profit and, accordingly, pays more taxes, which form the local budget. Investment projects always imply the creation of new jobs. And for the regions it is very important that people do not leave for big cities, for this they need to be given the opportunity to earn well in their small homeland. And in order for young people to come here, it is necessary to build rental housing. Money for this is also allocated from the budget. The entire social sphere is financed from it, and generously: 85% of the budget is directed there. Therefore, for example, now we have the opportunity to reconstruct the sports and recreation center, and before that we invested quite a lot of money in the renovation of the hospital.
We are glad that there are more opportunities to attract investment and that enterprises are happy to join them. For example, our famous sanatorium "Alpha Radon" is starting to build a new building thanks to the investment project. This means that even more vacationers will come to the Dyatlovsky district, and local residents will get 22 new jobs. Another 25 jobs will appear after the modernization of the plant for the production of vegetable oils in the urban settlement of Novoelnya - also within the framework of the investment project.
Initiatives such as "One district - one project" give enterprises the opportunity to move forward, and with them - entire regions.
Elena KRYLOVA
Photo by Sergey SHELEG