The head of the region Igor Artamonov met with the management of several SEZ "Lipetsk" resident companies in order to personally discuss problematic issues, ways to solve them, measures to support businessmen and employees of the enterprises. The first point on the route was the Yokohama R.P.Z. plant. At the end of March, the company announced a temporary suspension of production due to logistical difficulties in delivering materials from abroad.
Igor Artamonov has already met earlier with the general director of the tire manufacturer in Lipetsk and offered to help with the adaptation to the new logistics conditions. Nevertheless, the question is still at the stage of solution. A part of the employees of the enterprise is still working, and another part is temporarily idle. The head of the regional administration noted that the condition of this resident caused him concern.
"We know that problems with the supply of components can be easily solved through Türkiye. But the Japanese company insists that it can do it on its own. At the same time we do not see any progress in resolving the issue. We would like to hope that the reasons for the protracted downtime are not politically motivated. I have indicated my position to the director. If the company does not find and will not announce a solution in a month, we will make every effort to ensure that the employees were employed by other companies of the special economic zone", said Igor Artamonov.
"Yokohama R.P.Z.", the second tire manufacturing corporation in Japan and the seventh in the world, received the resident status in the SEZ "Lipetsk" in December 2008. It is the unique producer of YOKOHAMA car tires in Russia. The volume of investments for the moment is 8,615.2 million rubles.
Another company Igor Artamonov visited was "Egida". The project is under construction. Despite the difficult situation and the conditions of sanctions, commissioning is planned for the end of 2022. The company received the resident status in December 2018. The volume of investments amounted to 3,386 million rubles. "Egida" is a Russian company for the production and sale of polyurethane foam, fabrics, glue and components for upholstered furniture. It is a supplier of components for the largest furniture manufacturers in Russia and CIS countries, such as Askona, Moon, Hoff. Today the company "Egida" produces at least 35% of elastic polyurethane foam in Russia.
With representatives of PPG Industries Lipetsk Igor Artamonov discussed new markets for this company's products. PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials with over 139 years of history. In Russia, one of its main consumers is the company "AvtoVAZ". Unfortunately, now there is a significant drop in demand for the products of "PPG Industries Lipetsk" due to disruptions in the supply of components for the production of cars to consumers. Igor Artamonov said that the regional administration will assist in promoting the products of "PPG Industries Lipetsk".
"We cooperate closely with federal agencies, for example, the Ministry of Industry and Trade. There is a special catalog, which contains information on the options for import substitution in terms of equipment, logistics chains. We are working on the situation together with them. On the whole, the situation at the enterprises of the SEZ "Lipetsk" is positive. The residents are focused on the preservation of their production, actively adapting to the existing conditions. They take care of their employees. All employees are qualified, trained, well prepared. There is an absolute confidence that everything will be fine, even if it takes a little time", said Igor Artamonov.
As the general director of SEZ "Lipetsk" Roman Petrukhin commented to the head of the administration of the Lipetsk region, the Management company maintains a constant interaction with all the residents. HR-block, lawyers, specialists of the Investment Development Agency of the region are in touch with the companies.
"Every day our employees advise residents on emerging business issues, we establish new contacts with Russian and foreign companies from friendly countries in search of new suppliers, organization of logistics routes. We provide assistance in every possible way," said Roman Petrukhin.
