Natalya Kochanova said that residents of Polotsk had approached the Council of the Republic hoping to learn about the fate of one of the district’s largest enterprises - the dairy plant. Meeting with the workers on site, Natalya Kochanova emphasized that changes are ahead that will benefit everyone. After the completion of the acquisition deal for the plant at its market valuation, the facility will become part of Savushkin Product, whose management plans to fully modernize it, introduce innovative technologies, and create a modern, efficiently operating enterprise with comfortable working conditions for the people.
“This issue is under our supervision in the Council of the Republic and in Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee. Most importantly, this issue is under the supervision of the president of our country. At the meeting on the development of Vitebsk Oblast, regarding the problematic issues raised by the president, a clear task was set. First and foremost, we must preserve the workforce, and enterprises must operate efficiently. Therefore, in accordance with the head of state’s instruction regarding Polotsk Dairy Plant, a thoroughly considered and correct decision was made. Savushkin Product is an enterprise known not only in our country but far beyond its borders. Together with the management of this enterprise and the leadership of Vitebsk Oblast, we decided to meet with the workforce to tell people what awaits them in the future, and the future looks wonderful. We see how effectively the enterprises that are part of the Savushkin Product operate, what cutting-edge technologies they have, state-of-the-art production facilities, an excellent social package for employees, decent wages, and already over 10,000 people work there. For Polotsk Dairy Plant, the investor proposes to carry out a complete reconstruction of the enterprise by the end of the year. It will produce virtually the same products it currently produces,” emphasized the chairwoman of the Council of the Republic, adding that all jobs will be preserved.
Employees of the dairy plant asked whether Polotsk would be able to provide jobs for those who might wish to change their place of work. Vasily Shilov, Chairman of the District Executive Committee, noted that there are vacancies in the city, so everyone who wants to work will find employment. People were also concerned about the fate of the plant’s brands - Safiyka, under which whole-milk products are produced, and Mi-Shu! (curd cheese bars). Aleksandr Savchits, Director General of Savushkin Product, noted that the well-established product names will be retained. Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Rogozhnik emphasized that the investor coming to Polotsk District is a domestic one, interested in developing a high-quality Belarusian product, and will therefore invest funds both in modernizing production facilities and in promoting Polotsk dairy products in domestic and foreign markets.
During a visit to Novye Goryany, Natalya Kochanova was briefed on how the spring sowing campaign is progressing. She also spoke with the staff of the agricultural enterprise. The chairwoman of the Council of the Republic reported that a development strategy for the enterprise has been established, and sources of financing have been found for the purchase of seeds, feed, and new machinery. In the future, Novye Goryany plans to build a modern dairy farm complex. New housing is also planned for young employees in the eponymous agro-town. The speaker urged the agricultural enterprise’s workforce to work diligently, maintain order on the farms, and care properly for the animals, so that products can be supplied to Polotsk Dairy Plant.
“Today, the agricultural sector of Vitebsk Oblast is under the president’s supervision. We need to work hard, and we all understand perfectly well that without effort, there will be no results,” Natalya Kochanova emphasized.
Photos by Aleksandr Khitrov