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Lukashenko orders to examine use of fiberglass in manufacturing industry
BORISOV, 10 December (BelTA) – It is important to study the use of fiberglass in the production of passenger and other vehicles, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with the staff of POZHSNAB enterprise on 10 December, BelTA has learned.
Speaking on the importance of this enterprise, the head of state emphasized that this is the way to create own competences and production process that involves other industrial companies, for example, MAZ, Polotsk-Steklovolokno. "You have not just sold [your products on the market]. You have involved other enterprises," he said.
In this regard, the president pointed out POZHSNAB's competences in manufacturing fiberglass parts for firefighting and emergency response equipment. The Belarusian leader urged to examine whether this could be scaled up, whether fiberglass can be used in the manufacture of passenger vehicles.
"Is it possible to replace all the cabins and other parts of buses with glass fiber, fiberglass of your make," the head of state said. "Specialists will study and report on whether it will be more expensive or cheaper to use fiberglass [instead of metal]. If it makes economic sense, we will start making buses from fiberglass using your technologies."
One of the advantages of this material is that it is much lighter than metal. This is significant for such industries as, for example, aircraft construction. Belarus will certainly be able to find markets for its products. For example, the Russian market, which has difficulties with components after the withdrawal of Western companies. One of the aircraft factories produces wings of composite materials but they turn out many times heavier than they need to be. "I told its director that we are kin people. If you give us Oreshnik, we will produce wings for you," the president joked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said that if necessary, he will set a task for Belarusian producers to improve the quality of glass fiber used for fiberglass manufacturing in order to avoid import purchases and fully provide themselves with their own raw materials and semi-finished products.
"We need to have our own products. We will do our utmost to provide you with our own raw materials and semi-finished products. The question is whether you can or cannot. Sure you can. We will see what we will do next," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. "A lot of such ideas come up. We are taking it under control and will work on it. Our top managers, specialists, and the minister will report on how we move forward."
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