KPUP Obolsky Ceramic Plant is a leading producer of ceramic stone, brick, special mixes and clay powder in the CIS. In 2010, reconstruction of production lines was carried out, robotic equipment from European manufacturers was installed, allowing to produce building materials of the highest quality. The company is located in the village of Obol, Shumilinsky district of the Republic of Belarus.
The beginning of glorious deeds
The history of the Obolsky Ceramic Plant dates back to 1929, when a brick drying artel was organized in the Belarusian outback on the basis of a powerful clay deposit. Work was carried out only in the warm season, and the technology did not differ from that used a hundred years ago.
In 1930, the artel grew into a full-fledged factory, and the production of bricks reached 4 million units, which made the enterprise one of the largest in the region. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war led to a halt in production, and the hulls were completely destroyed.
Surprisingly, from this moment the story of the Obolsky Ceramic Plant as an industry leader has just begun. In 1945-1947, the enterprise was actually rebuilt. The most advanced brick production lines of the time were delivered from defeated Germany under the terms of reparation . Together with unique clays, the output is a high-quality product. To facilitate delivery, a railway line was brought up. A line from all over the Soviet Union lined up behind the Obol building materials. They were used on most major construction projects in the country.
Development
In 1957, a large-scale modernization of the Obolsky Ceramic Plant was carried out, which allowed to optimize administration and logistics, to improve quality and productivity. The annual output has reached 12 million units.
By this time, the structure of the enterprise took shape. There were two main areas: raw and roasting. As well as auxiliary workshops: mechanical, loading, construction and repair and transport. By the mid-1960s, productivity had more than doubled to 28 million units.
Restructuring
A new stage for the Obolsky Ceramic Plant began in the 1970s. By this time, existing technologies were already outdated. The construction industry demanded better building materials with improved performance.
In 1974, the restructuring of the enterprise began with the installation of new lines for slip preparation of clay with a capacity of 50 million pieces. Advanced technology allows even heterogeneous clays to produce face bricks with improved aesthetic qualities. By 1977, the work was completed, and the total output reached a record 85 million units.
In market conditions
Whatever the political and economic situation, building materials always remain in demand. After Belarus gained independence, the enterprise was transformed into Obolsky Ceramic Plant OJSC. The production of basic products continued, albeit not on such a gigantic scale.
Given the needs of the market, in the 2000s one of the largest modernizations in the history of the company was carried out. Robotic systems for the production of high-strength, quality-perfect ceramic products were purchased and installed from European partners. Today, Obolsky brick complies with strict European standards and is widely exported to neighboring countries. It was used in the construction and restoration of many iconic objects, including the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Resurrection Gate of the Kremlin, the Church of St. George and others.
Products
Today, OKZ produces:
- ceramic brick of front plastic molding of various types (thickened, hollow, single, corpulent);
- ceramic brick in-line plastic molding;
- ceramic stone of various types;
- leveling sports special mixtures STK with fractions of 0.14-2.5 mm;
- topping for courts "Tennisit-V";
- heat-resistant clay powder for masonry mortars;
- ceramic products (vases, souvenirs, plates, candlesticks, animal figurines, commemorative signs, corporate souvenir paraphernalia, etc.).
Obolsky Ceramic Plant: reviews
Over the decades, OKZ has established itself as a manufacturer of liquid quality products. According to reviews, Obolsky brick is characterized by high strength, precise geometry, good aesthetic qualities. Thanks to the new line, it is possible to achieve high homogeneity of the mixtures, as a result of which the bricks do not crack during careless handling or temperature changes.
Among the conditional shortcomings, users note the remoteness of the plant (which increases the cost of delivery) and the not very wide color gamut. However, for clay bricks the last point is not as important as for silicate products.