Likinsky Bus Plant (LIAZ) has been a leader in the production of buses of a particularly large and large class for many years. There are more than a dozen models of public transport in the company's lineup, including trolley buses. In 2005, the organization became part of the GAZ Group of Companies, which made it possible to re-equip the production base and organize assembly of world-class equipment.
Experienced Lesochemical
The beginning of the 30s was a very stressful time for the Soviet Union. Having recovered from the consequences of the civil war, the USSR did its best to catch up with Western countries. The primary tasks were building up industrial potential, developing and introducing advanced technologies.
In 1933, near Moscow (in the village of Likino-Dulyovo), at the site of the future LIAZ plant, it was decided to create an experimental enterprise - the Lesochemical Plant. At its site, it was planned to develop new technologies for the processing and use of wood for the USSR: fiberboard, chipboard, lignostone bars, insulation boards, etc. However, the construction was delayed. Only by the fall of 1937 were the main buildings built, equipment installed. The first products were wooden rail linings for the Moscow Metro.
War
Before the plant could gain momentum, the Great Patriotic War began. In a few months, fascist troops reached Moscow. The question arose about the evacuation of the enterprise. The equipment was dismantled and relocated to the Chelyabinsk region under bombing. However, the enemy was soon driven back from the capital, and the trains returned home.
With the heroic efforts of mainly women and adolescents (most men fought), the factory was restored. Already in February 1942, the production of wooden products for aircraft, balls for gunpowder and other products began. For selfless work, employees of the team have been awarded medals, orders and commemorative signs more than once.
From wood to gears
When most of the USSR was liberated, the government faced no less serious task than defeating the enemy - restoring the country from ruins. The first step was to significantly increase the production of building materials, the most affordable of which was wood. And to increase the pace of logging, mechanisms and equipment were needed.
In 1944, the Forest Chemical Experimental Plant, taking into account its profile and the experience of workers, was reconstructed into the Likinsky Machine-Building Plant (LIMZ). His specialization was the production of machines and assemblies for the forestry and woodworking industries: sleeper cutting machines, mobile power plants, skidding winches, motor vehicles, electric saws, spare parts for KT-12 tractors and ZIS vehicles. Also, the company organized the repair of complex diesel engines.
Buses to be
The 50s were marked by rapid growth in the automotive industry. With the expansion of cities, the shortage of public transport was becoming more acute. This problem was especially urgent for the largest metropolis of the country - Moscow. In the late 50s, it was decided to create a LIAZ bus plant on the basis of LIMZ. The enterprise was located near the capital, and the qualifications of workers allowed to establish the production of complex equipment.
In 1958, the reconstruction of the plant for the production of urban passenger buses ZIL-158 was started. The Firstborn rolled off the assembly line on January 10, 1959. This model was produced until 1970 inclusive. For 11 years, 62 290 cars were manufactured at LIAZ.
From copying to own developments
The LIAZ bus plant developed rapidly. If in 1959 the factory workers manufactured 213 units of vehicles, then in 1963 5419 buses were assembled. By the end of the 60s, productivity was more than 7000 vehicles.
However, the team swung at more - to create their own model that surpasses the characteristics of a reliable but outdated ZIL. Having gained some experience, the engineers and designers of the LIAZ plant developed an improved version of the large spacious LIAZ-677 city bus. A prototype was released in 1962, after a series of tests and improvements in 1967, the first batch was released.
The model turned out to be extremely successful. In 1972, at the autumn Leipzig fair, she was awarded the Gold Medal, becoming an example for other enterprises of the socialist bloc. It was produced in various versions and modifications until the mid-90s: sightseeing, city, suburban, in the northern version, with gas equipment, in a special version (mobile television station). By the end of 1994, 194,356 units were manufactured.
Thus, LIAZ-677 became one of the most popular models in the country and was widely used both in the USSR and abroad. In 1976, the collective received a well-deserved award for labor achievements - the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.
Development
Having released an excellent product, the factory workers were not going to rest on their laurels. In the early 80s, a new model was developed - LIAZ-5256. However, for its production it was necessary to carry out technical re-equipment of the LIAZ plant. Reconstruction began in 1985 and lasted until 1991.
Initially, the 5256th model was assembled in an experimental workshop in small batches. In 1985, 14 cars were manufactured. During this time, the main shortcomings were identified and eliminated before the model went into large-scale production. In March 1991, LIAZ-5256 entered the updated main conveyor, becoming the main model of the enterprise.
Hard times
Surprisingly, even in the dramatic years of the Second World War, the company only suspended its work for several months. But at the end of the 20th century, in the era of technological progress and incredible opportunities, the LIAZ plant was on the brink of an abyss. After the collapse of the USSR, relations with suppliers of components and customers of finished products in the person of municipalities were broken. The new government was not up to buses. The fire at the site for the production of KAMAZ engines aggravated the situation, and power units stopped coming to Likino. In 1997, LIAZ was declared bankrupt, external management was introduced.
Fortunately, in 2000 the Ruspromavto auto holding took over the production, and five years later the enterprise became a part of the GAZ group of companies. This allowed us to restore and modernize technological equipment. And at the same time, to start production of modern economical and environmentally friendly buses of a new generation.
Products
Today LiAZ produces 20 leading models and about 60 modifications. In 2012, the first electric bus LIAZ-6274 was launched as an alternative to large-class buses with gasoline, diesel and gas engines. The machine was developed on the basis of the low-floor bus LIAZ-5292, runs on lithium-ion batteries and is designed for urban transportation. For several years trolleybuses were produced on the basis of LIAZs. Today, the company is ready to produce them on order.
2013 was the year of new products:
- Together with partners, a low-floor bus of the European level LIAZ-529230 was manufactured. By the way, 30 cars of this series were used to service the Sochi Olympic Games in 2014.
- The first suburban low-floor car with a MAN engine was created.
- For the first time, the Russian YaMZ engine was installed on the LIAZ-529260 low-floor bus.
- A new design and interior of the bus of the future has been developed. Among the improvements are new front and rear masks, panoramic glazing, LED headlights, aerodynamic mirrors, curved, ergonomic handrails, for the first time in Russia the technology of bulk floors has been applied.
In 2014, a new modification of the large class LIAZ-529260 bus with a length of 10.5 m was created. A year later, the promising 9.5-meter model of the middle class saw the light of day. Comfortable ultramodern tourist and intercity buses of the Cruise and Voyage series became the pride of the factory workers. According to the corporate policy of the company, in the future, new models will be produced under the single GAZ brand, regardless of the place of production, whether in Likino, Pavlov, or Kurgan.
LIAZ factory: reviews
Judging by the reviews of employees, the enterprise is a welcome place of work. After joining the GAZ Group and the subsequent modernization, the conditions for the implementation of labor activities improved markedly. Salaries have grown, all employees are given a significant social package.
The partners are also pleased with the activities of the plant: whether they are suppliers of components, or customers. LIAZ pays on time on contracts, avoiding debts. And its products meet the highest standards of quality, convenience and efficiency. By the way, all the buses currently being produced are equipped with engines of the ecological classes Euro-4, Euro-5, and some modifications are equipped with the promising standard Euro-6.
Where is the LIAZ plant located?
The production facilities of the enterprise are located in a large industrial cluster in the east of the Moscow region. Administratively refers to the Orekhovo-Zuevsky municipal district. The plant is a city-forming.
LIAZ factory address: 142600, Russian Federation, Likino-Dulyovo city, Kalinina street, 1.