The first Belgian-Russian joint venture was set up in Smolensk region

The first in the region Belgian-Russian joint venture "Frisomat Arsenal ST" manufacturing prefabricated buildings opened in the Kardymovsky district. The ceremony of starting the production process was attended by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belgium to the Russian Federation Alex Van Meeuwen, on behalf of the Head of the region Alexey Ostrovskiy his first deputy Alexander Medvedev, the company's management and the district authorities.

"Frisomat Arsenal ST" is a project which is being implemented in Smolensk region as part of the “Frisomat” company's investment activities in Russia. The Belgian company has been operating successfully on the market of prefabricated buildings for over 30 years. During this time more than 20,000 projects across the world have been completed in various climatic conditions.

The main activity of the "Frisomat Arsenal ST" company, operating on the "Arsenal ST" production site in Kardymovo is constructing residential prefabricated frame buildings. The area of its production premises exceeds 2,500 square meters, the estimated annual production volume is 150-200 million rubles.

According to the First Vice-Governor Alexander Medvedev, the foreign investments in the Kardymosky district allow to develop the social sphere of the municipality. The "Frisomat Arsenal ST" company is going to create about 100 jobs. In the next two years it is planned to increase this number to 150 due to the growth of production volumes. During the year, 3 million Euros are going to be invested in the introduction of new technologies in the production process and equipment upgrade. Also the company's management are planning to start a new activity - constructing prefabricated industrial buildings.

Alexander Medvedev stressed that the construction of budget housing is obviously going to help the development of the construction industry in the region: "The Company and its partners are working all over Russia and are in great demand. According to our requirements of reforming the housing and utilities sector a meter of housing should cost no more than 34 thousand rubles. They offer the price of 20 thousand rubles. Moreover, this housing doesn’t have to be low-rise".

In addition, the first Vice-Governor said about the assistance that the Company receives from the Administration of Smolensk region within the investment policy of the Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy: "Everything, starting from the gas feeding, utilities, registration of land, staff recruitment, and many other procedures required to start production, was carried out through the regional and municipal efforts. Future feedback, demand and implementation together with our support naturally mean future success".

Fruitful cooperation of the Company with the regional and local authorities was also noted by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belgium to the Russian Federation Alex Van Meeuwen. "Judging by our experience of investing in the Russian economy, we know that it takes several companies to have a profitable business. First of all, you need a reliable Russian partner, as well as the support from the authorities. Also, it is important for a Belgian company to establish contact with the Belgian Embassy. You are on the right path to success. There is a productive partnership between Belgium and Russia. I wish the founders of the joint venture a long and successful cooperation in Russia. I am also sure that in the future you can count on the support from the local authorities, and your production will be a symbol of Smolensk region in Belgium", - said the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belgium.

Alexander Medvedev and Alex Van Meeuwen launched the operation of the joint venture by pressing the symbolic “start” button, after which the guests of the ceremony had a tour of the production shop.