Multi-brand center for Belarusian machinery opens in Russia’s Rostov Oblast

A key area for strengthening cooperation between Belarusian and Russian enterprises is the development of modernand efficient services for a wide range of equipment produced by MAZ and other Belarusian manufacturers. To expand business ties within the Union State of Belarus and Russia and provide a new level of warranty and service support for Belarusian machinery, MAZ, the managing company of the holding company BelavtoMAZ, has completed construction of the trade and service center in Rostov Oblast.

Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi took part in the opening of the multi-brand center “When the well-known events began linked to sanctions and the withdrawal of Western brands from the Russian market, the leaders of our countries decided to pursue import substitution independently and ensure technological independence, supporting, above all, mechanical engineering enterprises. We have always been able to produce with the necessary, world-class quality, but the sales segment has always suffered. Although the Russian market is the key one for Belarusian brands, there was internal competition among ourselves, with each wanting to sell more of its own products. Later, however, the concept of multibrand centers ‘took root among the people’. People simply realized that Western brands had been replaced by other competitors, including from Asian countries. And they are just as quick and aggressive in their marketing strategies. Therefore, a prompt decision was made: enough competing with each other, we must unite, fight for our market, and never give it away again,” Dmitry Krutoi explained.

Under the brand Belorusskie mashiny [Belarusian machines], all key Belarusian manufacturers and suppliers are represented at the center in Rostov Oblast. “Rostov Oblast has traditionally been a major consumer of our products. They buy MTZ tractors, Amkodor grain trucks, and MAZ trucks. In addition, the region has announced a large program to renew passenger transport. The last major deliveries of such equipment from Belarus were in 2018, linked to the FIFA World Cup. Since then, only small, local shipments have taken place. I believe this center will improve the situation. We will offer a full range of services. Moreover, I am confident we will establish a production site here, demonstrating cooperative interaction: MAZ chassis with superstructures from local manufacturers. The governor promised to find suitable partners for us. Together we will be able to offer a joint product that will be included in all financial and leasing programs supporting trade and sales. We will showcase this at the center as a second stage, our homework assignment,” he shared.

This model of cooperation is planned to be replicated in other regions of Russia, while the center in Rostov Oblast will serve as a hub for supplies to southern Russia.

Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar gave high praise to the project. “Projects in our joint agenda with Belarus are always successful, as evidenced by the growth in trade turnover. Today marks another stage, with infrastructure created for technical support of excellent Belarusian machinery – equipment of very high quality and at good prices. This is not just a showroom, not just a place where machinery will be sold: it will also be serviced here. There is a spare parts warehouse and a staff of specialists. Technical support guarantees that the machinery we acquire, including passenger, freight, utility, will be properly maintained and kept in working order. This is very important for us, as such equipment is in high demand. We are on the threshold of renewing all types of machinery. Strategic partnership with MAZ and other manufacturers at this center is a serious support for our plans,” he emphasized.

MAZ Director General Valery Ivankovich highlighted the significance of having all types of Belarusian machinery presented on one site: trucks, buses, combines, tractors, loaders, and more. “Consumers can come and choose what they like, just as they would in a car showroom. In the future, we want to invite our leasing company Promagroleasing: rent space, work on the trading floor, and promote equipment in Rostov Oblast. For this, our machinery must be high-quality, reliable, and priced in line with market demands. I believe we meet all these criteria. The location of the center was chosen strategically. Rostov-on-Don is the industrial hub of southern Russia, a wealthy region that needs all types of machinery, from agricultural to construction, and simultaneously offers opportunities to expand supplies in all directions. The prospects are very good. The synergistic effect of cooperation among enterprises affiliated with the [Belarusian] Industry Ministry will allow consumers to meet their needs comprehensively. If someone needs to harvest grain, they can buy a combine, a grain truck, and a tractor, and Promagroleasing will try to wrap it all into a financial package,” he outlined.

As part of the opening ceremony, the center’s exhibition area showcased not only MAZ vehicles but also products from other Belarusian manufacturers in demand across the Southern Federal District, including MTZ, Gomselmash, and others.