Vladimir Evlanov: “Philip Morris Kuban” is one of the most successful examples of foreign investments in Krasnodar economy

Head of Krasnodar took part in a ceremony dedicated to 20th anniversary of OJSC «Philip Morris Kuban» foundation — affiliated company of world’s No.1 tobacco producer «Philip Morris International».

— Twenty years ago we have just set up our plant and hankered that it would get to work and start developing. And now «Philip Morris Kuban» is a modern, fully computer assisted enterprise, one of city-forming company in Regional center. On level of fitting-out it corresponds to most up-to-date requirements and looks exemplarily in the context of industrial engineering, management and personnel development. Over a number of years you have been implementing charitable and sponsored programs, actively participating in social life of Krasnodar. Quite literally, this enterprise is one of those ones which we would like to have in our city as many as possible. You have a lot to be proud of, and I wish you farther achievements in work and realization of shaped plans, — Vladimir Evlanov said over the course of official part.

The ceremony was held at the territory of tobacco plant OJSC «Philip Morris Kuban». On the occasion of jubilee Krasnodar was attended by an international delegation from other branches of «Philip Morris International» (PMI) company, including Mr. Marco Mariotti — President of affiliated companies of PMI in Russia and Belarus.

— Twenty years ago everything here looked otherwise. We had to install new equipment, employ and train personnel. We have invested in this plant so much as not in any other one. And today we are proud of results obtained. This is one of three best plants «Philip Morris International» among 60 all over the world. Of course, many things depend on collective. Today only Russian specialists work here provided that the best ones are transferred in our enterprises in other countries. It means that nearly 100 thousand employees of our company know about Krasnodar and where it is situated on the map. This success would be impossible without cooperation with local authorities. And we hope that effective cooperation and work will be proceeded in the following, — Marco Mariotti said.

An extensive program was prepared for all who had been invited to the ceremony. At the beginning enterprise representatives conducted an excursion around manufacturing halls of the plant. They elaborated on all stages of manufacturing cycle — beginning from tobacco loading on conveyor line to finished products packing, demonstrated purpose-built equipment.

Together with other participators of the excursion Vladimir Evlanov went for a walk around tobacco and Secondary halls. As it was mentioned these halls operates all day round seven days per week. Secondary hall of the tobacco plant is fitted with up-to-date cigarette-making machines of two types — with capacity 8 thousand cigarettes (400 packs) per minute and 10 thousand cigarettes (500 packs) per minute. Overall capacity of the enterprise is more than 30 bln cigarettes per year. Also guests had a look at zone of tobacco aromatization, storage area, quality control laboratory and finished products packaging workshop.

— It is remarkable that employees make their own propositions and their opinion is taken into account. This is an important trait of your enterprise, — Vladimir Evlanov said.

Official part was conducted in administrative building. Vladimir Evlanov handed director general of OJSC «Philip Morris Kuban» Vladimir Sentsov and merited workers of enterprise honorary certificates of Krasnodar administration and Krasnodar City Duma as well as souvenirs. Also collective of the company is marked with Appreciation of Krasnodar Region Governor; individuals received honorary certificates of Krasnodar Region Ministry of Agriculture and Processing Industry.

Upon completion of official part there was a laying of partnership parkway at the plant territory. Vladimir Evlanov and Marco Mariotti bedded one of 20 decorative fir-trees.

OJSC «Philip Morris Kuban» was created on the base of Krasnodar tobacco processing plant. By now investing in reconstruction and general modernization of the enterprise has exceeded 200 mln dollars. Nowadays the company is one of the leading centers of «Philip Morris International» in the world. Its staff numbers nearly 700 people. The plant produces nearly 30 different cigarette brands «Appolo Soyuz», «Optima», «Next», «Bond Street».