The Orsha-based dairy company will start implementing two investment projects in 2018, representatives of the company reported.
The Orsha dairy company intends to install a new line for packaging milk in containers with a longer shelf life. The equipment able to process up to 100 tons of milk per day will be installed in spare space in the existing milk bottling shop. The new equipment will be used to pour sterilized milk into 200 ml Tetra Pack cartons with the shelf life of 9-12 months. Representatives of the company explained the long shelf life by the company’s intention to sell the milk to China. Negotiations with Chinese partners are already underway.
The other investment project will help the Orsha dairy company increase quark output. This line will be able to process some 100 tons of milk per day.
“We already offer a wide range of curd and quark products, however, the volume is insignificant,” noted the company’s representatives.
The equipment will be installed in the former compressor house. The Orsha dairy company upgraded its refrigerating and compressor facilities in 2012. Instead of two buildings the new equipment used only one. The spare building will now be used to install the new quark and curd line. Preparations for construction and installation work are already in progress. The company is now choosing the necessary equipment and deciding on financing sources.
The Orsha dairy company decided to embark on these projects after the demand for casein plummeted. Two years ago the company management decided to switch to other kinds of dairy products with a high profit margin.
“For the last few year we’ve been gradually reducing the share of casein in the overall output by ramping up the output of other products. Once the two investment projects are implemented, casein production will be stopped completely,” noted the source.
In 2017 the Orsha dairy company sold Br72.1 million worth of merchandise and services, 129.8% as against 2016. In January-November 2017 the company’s sales profitability totaled 11.6%. The company shipped $17.1 million worth of products to Russia, Germany, and Poland.
The Orsha dairy company is one of the largest dairy companies in Belarus. It was founded in 1939. It offers milk, dairy products, and a wide choice of cheeses. The company employs about 530 people. (BelTA/Business World Magazine)