This enterprise has a solid history, having been established 18 years ago and securing a leading position in the industry. TEHNOLIFT employs the most current technological advancements in its cargo handling operations.
The company’s CEO and founder, Alexander Druzhinin, warmly welcomed Maria Mikhaylova and her team, dedicating significant attention to their visit. He introduced the guests to the main facilities of the enterprise. Mikhaylova and her colleagues toured the rigging and textile workshops as well as the metal structures workshop. Additionally, they visited the design department and the extensive components warehouse.
In the early years after the company’s founding, all components were sourced from European countries and China. However, following the onset of the Special Military Operation, the situation changed, and TEHNOLIFT shifted towards import substitution. Significant progress has already been made. Currently, 20% of the components are produced in-house, while the remaining 80% come from China. According to Alexander Druzhinin, the company aims to increase the share of in-house produced components to 70% in the coming years. Achieving this goal will significantly reduce the final equipment cost. Furthermore, increasing in-house production will create new jobs, which is vital for the city.
In conversation with Maria Mikhaylova and her team, Alexander Druzhinin noted that TEHNOLIFT previously managed all its tasks without government assistance. However, the implementation of import substitution plans now requires state support. While preferential loans help in setting up new production lines, they are not sufficient. The enterprise needs active support from the St. Petersburg government, particularly for promptly addressing specific issues.
“Supporting enterprises by the city is one of the most important factors in fostering business activity in St. Petersburg. However, assisting companies that are implementing the country’s import substitution strategy is especially crucial,” said Maria Mikhaylova.
She expressed confidence that there will be many more meetings with TEHNOLIFT, which will bring tangible benefits in achieving its goals and addressing important issues for both St. Petersburg and Russia as a whole.