Inauguration of the third production facility in Russia attended by over 300 guests from Russia and Eastern Europe
Harry Purainer and Vladimir Denisov, directors of Schattdecor's new production facility in Chekhov, Russia, welcomed over 300 guests from Russia and neighbouring Eastern European countries to the festive opening of the plant on 29 October, 2008.
The welcoming address was held by Reiner Schulz, CEO of Schattdecor AG, who pointed out that 100 percent of Schattdecor's share capital was "personally present" at the event in the form of the three Schatt family members attending the inauguration ceremony. As he stated, this made it clear that the company's capital is not traded on the stock markets but spent with dependable regularity on the firm. He then thanked the politicians among the guests for their unflagging support, stating that without their energy and commitment such an investment project could not have been implemented in accordance with Russian laws and directives within the space of two years. Schulz also thanked Valentin Zverev, CEO of Shatura Furniture, and Vasiliy Vdonin, Management Board Chairman of the decor paper printer Mayak, "for having always provided us strength and support on our difficult path in Russia". As he explained, the Chekhov project was the largest first phase of a factory ever tackled by Schattdecor, and the fact that it concerned Russia was no surprise in view of the country's size and significance. In this connection he also thanked the employees of Schattdecor's two other Russian production facilities in Schatura and Penza for "seeing to everyday operations with Sales Manager Vladimir Denisov and thus enabling us attend to the Chekhov project in peace and without the need for a hectic rush." He furthermore thanked Chekhov director Harry Purainer for the fantastic work he had done in building up Schattdecor's Russian operations over the past eight years. Finally, the CEO also underscored Schattdecor's commitment to the Russian market, which already accounts for over 10 percent of the company's sales volume, concluding his remarks by stating, "The Chekhov plant is a sign of how important we find the Russian market. In return, you can rely on Schattdecor to provide quality products, prompt deliveries and an optimal price/performance ratio – you have my word."
The next speech was held by Harry Purainer, who also emphasised the importance that Russia holds for Schattdecor. "In 2008, the 250 employees in our three Russian plants generated over €50 million in sales. At this place I would personally like to thank all the staff members in the plants, our customers and also the guests who in coming here today have demonstrated the close connection they feel with our firm". Purainer particularly thanked Schattdecor's Chief Technical Officer Roland Heeger and Project Manager Manfred Schmale for their technical help, and expressed a debt of gratitude to the political dignitaries for their unwavering positive support throughout the whole of the project.
Sales Manager Vladimir Denisov was the next speaker. In his address he proudly underlined that the new plant in Chekhov is an expression of Schattdecor's persistent and continual market development activities in Russia. As he pointed out, "In the new plant we have printed over 1,000 tonnes of decor paper since the beginning of August, and together with our customers we shall continue in our efforts to develop the market". As he added, OOO <<Schattdecor>> offers cutting-edge decors, high-performance machinery and experienced employees, making it a jewel within the Schattdecor group.
Igor Parkhomenko, first deputy chairman of the Moscow region's government, and Anatoly Chibeskov, head of the Chekhov local administration, underscored the importance of the investment for the region and city of Chekhov. Parkhomenko particularly remarked on the courage and readiness of family-owned German companies to invest in Russia, with "the Schatt family now joining the ranks of other important German family companies such as Knauf and Ehrmann". In his speech, Anatoly Chibeskov said how impressed he was by the personal character of owner/employee relations at Schattdecor. "We first noticed this when we visited the plant in Thansau, and we are very pleased to welcome a company with such a considerate but committed management to our region."
A speech was then held by Dr. Christian Seebode of the German embassy in Moscow, followed by consecration of the plant by Father Alexander Serbsky and the festive cutting of the ribbon. The customers and guests were then able to gain an idea of the high quality of the Chekhov operations on a guided tour, learning in the process it serves as Schattdecor's Russian centre of excellence for product development and design alike.
An Oktoberfest-themed party followed, with the guests enjoying Bavarian and Russian specialities in the festively decorated warehouse. A perfect entertainment programme was also put on, spiced by the grand entrance of a delegation of dirndl- and leather breech-clad employees from Schattdecor's headquarters in Bavarian Thansau, and rounded off by an impressive laser show.
5251 characters
A voucher copy is requested
In the case of any questions, please contact:
Schattdecor AG
Corporate Communications
Bernd Reuss, M.A.
Phone: ++49/(0)8031/ 275-2779
Fax: ++49/(0)8031/ 275-2200
Email: b.reuss@schattdecor.de
