Haier

April 22, 2016 - Haier, the world's No. 1 major appliance brand, launched its first Russian refrigerator plant in Kamsky industrial park (KIP) "Master", Naberezhnye Chelny, Tatarstan. The opening ceremony was attended by the Russian Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy of Federal District along the Volga River Bank Babic, President of Tatarstan Republic Minnihanov, Mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny Magdeev, representatives of related ministries and state authorities from Russia and China, Haier Group managers and employees.

The 1st from the left: Zhang Di, Minister Plenipotentiary, Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Embassy of China in the Russian Federation; the 2nd from the left: Mayor of Kazan; the 3rd from the left: Mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny; the 1st from the right: Babic, Russian Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy of Federal District along the Volga River Bank; the 2nd from the right: Liang Haishan, Rotating President of Haier Group; the 3rd from the right: Minnihanov, President of Tatarstan Republic

''The fact that the region has attracted a global investor like Haier is the result of fruitful and intensive work done by both parts'', said the President of Tatarstan Republic Rustam Minnihanov. ''This new manufacturing base is the first major Russian-Chinese project in a non-energy area. We are very proud that we managed to create all the necessary conditions in the region to attract such hi-tech companies as Haier.''    

Being one of the world leaders in user-driven solutions specialising in home appliances, conditioning solutions, and consumer electronics, Haier has been pioneering the creation of a new territory of advanced socio-economic development (ADT) in Naberezhnye Chelny. Out of the four similar development territories in Russia, this territory was the first to start functioning in January 2016.

''Innovation and cutting-edge technologies are the genes of Haier's global strategy'', said the Rotating President of Haier Group Liang Haishan. ''This gene is present in all our activities, be it manufacturing, developing industrial technologies, or making management solutions. We are happy that people here share our approach. Tatarstan is one of the most prospective Russian regions in terms of economic development, technologies, and innovations.''

The amount of money that have already been invested in the factory construction – $ 39,108,800.00, with $ 330,350,000.00 rubles spent on the technological improvement at the automate-turning department of KIP Master. From April to June 2016 the remaining part in the amount of $15,891,200.00 will be invested in the purchase of components and production development. Therefore, the total number of investment will amount $ 55,000,000.00.

Besides of financial investments Haier Group brings along in Tatarstan a unique production model and innovation technology wich yet has no analogs in Russia. The company creates new jobs and conveys its best practices to new employees. Thus, in 2015, the specialists from Naberezhnye Chelny had undergone a training at Haier factories in Shandong province, China and now back to put their knowledge into practice at the new factory. By 2017, there will be 500 people working on the Haier factory, 1200 jobs more to be created by outsourcing. Today there are already 248 employed by Haier in Naberezhnye Chelny. Furthermore, the establishment of the industrial park will allow Haier to deliver quality products and services to Russia and its neighboring countries, thus meeting various demands of users there.

With quality being the company's priority, Haier implements special flaw-minimizing technologies at all production stages from manufacturing to assembly and packaging. Haier regularly audits its products and the Traceability technology helps to follow goods and components during all the way, from production to customer. Moreover, Haier has built two laboratories in Naberezhye Chelny, one to check the quality of the products and the other to develop innovative technologies. 

With a whole range of optimizing solutions at a new industrial site, Haier has equipped its products with exceptional characteristics. For example, more durable, impact- and crack-proof materials, U-shap technology inside panels and fridge cover, lower compressor noise due to metallic fridge panel and foam-placed condenser.

''Furthermore, Haier has given up using a water-polluting painting technology, having opted for an environmentally-friendly and aesthetically agreeable coated metal'', adds the Marketing Director of Haier Russia Sergey Fomichev. ''The company is very considerate to environmental issues and constantly improves manufacturing processes trying to minimize water consumption and the release of carbon dioxide.''

Production capacity in the first stage will be 250,000 units, in the second – 500,000 units. The target markets include Russia and CIS countries as well as some parts of Europe.

The launch of Haier’s refrigerator manufacturing base in Naberezhnye Chelny is another crucial step on Haier’s road to localization in Russia.  Haier corporation has already taken up creation of R&D center at Naberezhnye Chelny.