“The implementation of a major industrial project – the Greater Bratsk project – is nearing completion. It’s an advanced project that serves as a good example of coordinated efforts by business, the regional authorities, and, to some extent, the Federal Government”
Visiting the Ilim Group new pulp mill
During his visit to the Ilim Group in Bratsk, the Prime Minister was shown the main stages of pulp production. He toured the woodyard, the pulp cutting and packaging line, and the pulp drying shop, where he signed a pack of paper that rolled off the line.
After speaking with the workers, Dmitry Medvedev took part in the launching ceremony for the new bleached softwood pulp mill.
Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks at the ceremony:
Participating in the launching ceremony for the Ilim Group new pulp mill
Good afternoon, friends, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to congratulate all of you on launching a new bleached softwood pulp production facility. This is a major and long-awaited event, not least because the industry has not seen investments of such proportions recently; therefore, it’s a big event for the whole industry, let alone the Ilim Group, which worked on this together with its partners.
The implementation of a major industrial project – Greater Bratsk – is nearing completion. It’s an advanced project that serves as a good example of coordinated efforts by business, the regional authorities, and, to some extent, the Federal Government. At least, this is my hope.
Expanding production is always about creating new jobs and more opportunities to promote social programmes to help working people. I am confident that this project will be a good incentive for developing the city and improving the lives of the people who have dedicated most of their lives to working at the mill.
Touring the woodyard at the Ilim Group new pulp mill
Touring the woodyard at the Ilim Group new pulp mill
Dmitry Medvedev with Zakhar Smushkin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ilim Gourp
Speaking with pulp mill employees
Visiting the Ilim Group new pulp mill
Signing a fresh-made pack of paper
Participating in the launching ceremony for the Ilim Group new pulp mill
Touring the woodyard at the Ilim Group new pulp mill
There’s one more question that I’d like to discuss, which is environmental protection. Yesterday, I held a meeting in Irkutsk where we discussed problems associated with Lake Baikal. A policy decision was made to close the Baikal mill. Admittedly, it was not an easy one, and it is absolutely clear that the future lies with such modern production processes. You can feel it in Bratsk the minute you get here: the situation is changing. The place smells and looks different. It’s a good example for us to use such advanced technical approaches in other places as well. I hope – I’m confident – that the latest environmental standards will serve as the basis for further developing the Ilim Group and our other companies that work in the timber and pulp and paper industries.
Once again I would like to congratulate everyone on this momentous occasion. I’m glad that this is happening now, during the Year of the Environment, which we are marking in our country. I wish all the best to all the employees and all those who took part in creating the new mill. Once again, please accept my hearty congratulations.
