Under strict guidance: how AMIPAC emerged from the crisis and stabilized its market position

One of the leading exporters of the south-eastern region of the country, a flagship in the segment of combined polymer materials, disposable packaging and multi-turn packaging, a strong link in the state programs "One district - one project" and "Regional initiative". The company "AMIPAC" Buda-Koshelevsky district of Gomel region today is perceived as such. It is difficult to imagine that in 2019 the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. However, with the support of the state, guided by the decisions of the anti-crisis manager Valentina Zhukova and relying on the team, the company was able to write a success story, which once again confirmed that if there is a desire and faith in the forces, the goal will be achieved.

It is associated with the most expensive and important: family, favorite business, plans for the future. There are roots. My parents worked in agriculture. Mom's an accountant, Dad's a driver. The family has three children. Valentina stayed with the elder when her parents were busy:

Work from childhood, study on conscience, so that mom and dad are proud. And it was quite conscious to return home after graduating from the Kuibyshev Institute of National Economy (now the Belarusian State University of Economics), where she received a degree in economist. Now I understand quite clearly that it is unlikely that anywhere else there is such a force of support and support as in their native places. Here you get the credit of maximum trust. But the responsibility is also high. They know you, you know everyone. Keeping your word, doing business honestly, being loyal to your team and country is like the law of life in the district center and the law of management in big business. I am convinced that otherwise nothing worthwhile and real will not work. The neat and concise territory of the enterprise with cute art objects created by AMIPAC employees, bright production buildings, modern equipment. As it was here in 1991, when she came to the enterprise after graduation, Valentina Ivanovna recalls with a smile:

- At that time, it was "Agribusiness" with a large fleet of cars - more than 150 units, which provided services to the farms of the district. Repaired equipment, repaired milking plants ... It is a difficult time to find alternative directions. I remember well how at that time the director Mikhail Iosifovich Zenkevich was puzzled by all this and made great efforts to develop the company. The release of the simplest container has become such an additional activity. Purchased basic equipment, began production of boxes, buckets, pelvis. Gradually increased production. At the same time, we actively developed this direction, which turned out to be really promising, focusing on market demands. Businesses in the country needed modern packaging materials. Large-scale re-equipment of production over time allowed to establish the production of high-quality polymer packaging, including multi-layer combined material (PET / PE). Its barrier properties are indispensable for products with a long shelf life, so this material was at the peak of demand among food manufacturers. With the new nomenclature, AMIPAC has taken its firm place in this segment as a serious player in the CIS market. However, in order to maintain the position of the leader and introduce advanced technologies, it was necessary to take bank loans for the purchase of equipment. Normal business practice. But in one of the moments of instability of the global market, when the partners could not fulfill their obligations, the company sagged.

Timely payment of loans has become a serious problem. Production volumes decreased, the outflow of experienced specialists began. Valentina Zhukova, at that time the deputy general director of the enterprise, says:

- Perhaps the real test of strength for us was 2019. The company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Creditors insisted on the liquidation and sale of property to pay off debts. But knowing the full potential of production, its potential, there was no doubt that it could be saved. Our entire team, who worked here for many years and stayed at the company in difficult times, believed in this. We were supported by government bodies, the economic court of the Gomel region believed us. In 2019, the rehabilitation procedure was scheduled. Originally for a year and a half. Further, by the resolution of the Council of Ministers, the recovery period was extended for five years - until 2026. If you want to do well, do it yourself. Valentina Ivanovna applied this thesis in practice in a specific difficult case. When the company was in a stalemate, she agreed to be appointed as a crisis manager. Explains, it was already a matter of honor:

- Strong support of the state, trust and ardent desire of the team. "AMIPAC" should have stood up and sounded like before. We had everything for that. For many years of work thoroughly studied the production and saw ways out of the impasse. She was trained, received the certificate of the anti-crisis manager of the corresponding category. Initially, the bet was made on increasing exports to Russia and foreign markets. We have re-established ties with former partners who agreed to work with us on prepayment, actively looking for new ones. They did not miss specialized exhibitions, promoted products, concluded contracts. They again gained reputation and increased production potential.

Already in the first year of rehabilitation, the company showed convincing dynamics. Revenue and exports have increased. At present, these are not comparable values. Production volumes increased four times, revenue - more than 10 times, exports - 16.5 times. AMIPAK not only regained its former positions, but also reached a new level of development. Among the partners in Belarus are such large companies as "Atlant", "Santa Bremor", "Kommunarka", "Spartak", in Russia - "VakumPak-M", confectionery factory "Red October", in Kazakhstan - confectionery factory "Lotte Rakhat". Geography of supplies — Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan ... And the most important achievement and evidence of stable development Valentina Ivanovna calls the restoration of the team:

- In the pre-crisis period, the company had 280 employees. During the difficult period, about 100 people resigned. Today, AMIPAC has 330 employees. The average salary exceeds 2200 rubles. They're trying to get settled. We're attractive. It's an indicator.

With a view to the future, the year of gaining strength and confidence, the head considers 2022. The company became one of the best exporters of Belarus. By this time, the company not only began to properly repay debts, but also without the involvement of third-party funds to update production, purchase equipment.

Re-equipment, modernization, advanced technologies, increasing the volume of demanded products - all these are today mandatory conditions in order to feel confident in times of growing competition, the head emphasizes. The program "One district - one project" allowed us to expand the production of demanded products, re-equipping the previously unused workshop for the production of modern combined materials. The project was also important for the district - 20 additional jobs were created at AMIPAC. And for the country, the company has solved one of the pressing issues of import substitution. Valentina Ivanovna explains the essence of the breakthrough moment:

By implementing the project, we managed to increase the volume of production of the combined material based on the introduction of the adhesive lamination method, which made it possible to combine two heterogeneous materials - rigid and flexible films - and eventually get the right packaging product with the necessary barrier properties. Previously, such packaging domestic enterprises purchased abroad. Russian companies to which we also supply these products. Demand is high. And our job was to satisfy him.

The output of more than 10 types of products depending on the thickness of the material, barrier properties, color. Round-the-clock operation. Add to the volume of main production - more than 400 tons of products per month. In the Russian regions shipped 70% of the issued. As soon as the above-mentioned workshop gained momentum, AMIPAC began to work out the next innovative project in detail. It is now part of the Regional Initiative.

We are talking about the acquisition and installation of a high-tech line for the production of PET film and disposable packaging from it. In this case, the products will act as an independent commodity product, and as a semi-finished product in the form of various containers for the food industry. It's all in the demand trend. Preliminary work on the search for equipment was carried out. The specialists of AMIPAC visited the factories of the People’s Republic of China, got acquainted with their work in detail. Partners from China are ready to put a line with molding equipment under the technological requirements of the Belarusian company. The interviewee explains the advantages of implementing an innovative project:

The installation of the new line will significantly increase the production of packaging, which is in high demand. Expand the range of products due to new capabilities of modern equipment. It's on one side. On the other hand, which is especially important, it is necessary to strengthen the labor market of a small district by creating 24 jobs, modern, high-tech, attractive, primarily for young people.

Speaking about programs such as the Regional Initiative, the Head of State reiterates that such platforms are especially important and valuable for small areas. This is the driving force of economic and social development of small territories, the prospect of professional growth for young people. Sharing his thoughts out loud:

- There is a stereotype that small cities have limited opportunities. But in our time of advanced technology, it's different. Geography no longer matters. AMIPAC is an example. Thanks to our production projects, we are in daily contact with different countries of the world. And through communications. And participating in exhibitions, meeting with partners. We work on modern equipment, advanced technologies, produce products that meet international quality standards. And yes, we live in Buda Koshelevo. A small but very cozy district center, where everyone knows each other, evaluates not by words, but by deeds and cheers for their native places to become stronger, more comfortable and more beautiful.

DOSYE

Valentina Zhukova was born on February 7, 1968 in the village of Demidovka Buda-Koshelevsky district of Gomel region.

• After graduating from Buda-Koshelevsky High School in 1986, she entered the Kuibyshev Institute of National Economy in Minsk, where she received higher economic education.

• Before heading Amipak, she worked at the company for 25 years. She began her career in 1991 as an accountant. Then she became an economist in the planning department, deputy chief accountant for finance, deputy general director for economics.

• In 2020, she completed a four-month training at the Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperation under the program of training temporary (anti-crisis) managers. In September 2020, she became the Anti-Crisis Manager of AMIPAC, which she is today.

• Married, son Alexander - 36 years, granddaughter Polina - 14.

THE SEVEN RULES OF VALENTINE BEETLE

1. Be honest, love your work, be loyal to the team and the country.

2. While we are thinking, others are acting, so decisions must be made quickly and without delay.

3. In business, there is no male or female style of management, there is professionalism.

4. Look into the problems of employees, be genuinely interested in what they live.

5. If you believe in yourself and do not give up, consider the case half-decided.

6. The most valuable thing is family. She comes first.

7. There is always room for healthy physical activity. This is the most affordable and effective way to maintain your resource, regardless of age.

FUCK YOU

The company "AMIPAC" produces packaging materials, disposable packaging and multi-turn containers. Currently, 330 people work here. Since 2019, since the reorganization, the company has gradually entered profitable work. Over the past five years, the average monthly production volume of products from 300 tons has increased to 1.5 thousand tons, the average monthly sales volume - from 700 thousand to 6.5 million rubles.

dralukk@sb.by

Extruder driver Alexander Sitnikov.

Printer Vitaly Cossack.

The driver of cutting machines Vladimir Tereshkov.

Head of the printing shop Svetlana Puchuro.

The driver of cutting machines Alexander Kuzmin.

Management of the enterprise.