Alexander Subbotin met with the work collective of SOOO "FORTEX - Water Technologies"
This is one of the residents of the "Vitebsk" Free Economic Zone. Like the FEZ, the company recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Its main area of activity concerns the production of equipment for water treatment and wastewater purification, primarily for the housing and communal services sector, as well as for energy, chemical, and electroplating industries. "FORTEX - Water Technologies" LLC operates under the motto: "Water is our art."
Over the years of operation, approximately 10 million US dollars have been invested in the development of the enterprise. Currently, its facilities occupy 18,000 square meters. The staff consists of 80 employees, with an additional 20 working as contractors. Sales markets for its products are expanding, with the main ones, besides Belarus, being 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 that we do not stop at what has been achieved, – states the General Director of "FORTEX - Water Technologies" LLC, Ivan Pinchuk. – Currently, pre-project work is underway for the supply of equipment for the organization of 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 collective is confirmed by the fact that the employees began their conversation with Alexander Subbotin with words of gratitude to the leadership of the region and the city 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 the Vitebsk Oblast where "FORTEX - Water Technologies" LLC has launched its facilities.
An engaging discussion focused on children's extracurricular activities, specifically free clubs and sections, and places for their active and beneficial leisure time.
The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee announced that locations designed to attract residents are planned for various parts of Vitebsk. One of these, the Student Square near PSU named after P. Masherov, is expected to open by September 1. It will feature an open-air cinema, modern children's play complexes, "smart" benches, walking paths, a large street food zone, and other interesting elements.
An equally important facility is the Park of the 1000th Anniversary of Vitebsk. Its proximity to the Ice Palace inspires visitors to emulate Vitebsk hockey players, who delight their fellow citizens with their achievements: HC Vitebsk has twice consecutively won the Seley Cup, and club alumnus Vladislav Yeremenko won the Gagarin Cup. The construction of Belarus's largest skate park, a venue for skateboarding, a popular activity among today's youth, is nearing completion here. Additionally, the park has been enhanced with children's play complexes and outdoor exercise equipment.
Furthermore, within the park, work is underway to establish a new public space for ceremonies – the Flag and Emblem Square.
"Undoubtedly, the adornment of our city is its embankment and temples; these are what 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 Western Dvina riverbanks."
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 its contribution and announced that the facilities at the intersection of Chkalov and Voinev-Internatsionalistov Streets – the "Pain" Memorial, the church, and the bath and wellness complex – will receive close attention: they need to be completed, reconstructed, and their surrounding areas improved.
Alexander Subbotin spoke about ongoing and prospective construction projects in Vitebsk: a new surgical building for the regional clinical hospital and a large sports complex in the Bilevo microdistrict.
Representatives of the staff raised sensitive issues, in particular, regarding the increased responsibility of owners for the presence of stray animals on the streets. Private issues concerning housing and communal services have been taken under control for prompt resolution.
– We were intimidated that due to sanctions, life at our enterprises, in cities and villages would worsen. In reality, we see stable operation and decent wages, production development, and improved quality of life in our hometown, – the enterprise employees summarized. – And such meetings strengthen trust in the authorities, confirming that our thoughts and hopes coincide.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by