Today, in the city of Gryazi, Lipetsk Region, a ceremony was held to lay the foundation stone of the new LZVO plant (part of the NEK industrial Group). This event marked the start of a major investment project aimed at localizing the production of domestic complete switchgear with SF6 insulation (GIS) for voltage classes from 110 kV to 500 kV.

Representatives of regional and municipal authorities, as well as key partners and heads of enterprises of the NEK Group took part in the ceremony. Among the guests of honor were: Governor of the Lipetsk Region Igor Artamonov, General Director of JSC SEZ PPT Lipetsk Alexander Bazayev, Head of the Administration of the Gryazinsky Municipal District of the Lipetsk Region Vladimir Roshchupkin, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Advisor to the General Director of JSC NEK Dmitry Filatov and General Director of LZVO LLC Anna Perepechenova.

Industrial Group "NEK" consistently implements the strategy of ensuring technological independence in the energy sector and strengthening the industrial sovereignty of Russia. The construction of the new plant is a strategically important step in this direction, designed to close the existing deficit of domestic equipment in the switchgear market.

The total investment in the construction and equipment of the new production site is estimated at more than 3.5 billion rubles. It is expected that the launch of the plant will lead to the creation of more than 200 new jobs, contributing to the socio-economic development of the Lipetsk region.

"We agreed on the construction of this plant quite recently - literally a couple of months ago we signed an agreement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. And now we see confirmation of the seriousness of the investor's intentions. This enterprise will be an important step in ensuring the technological sovereignty of the country. We are glad that our region has been chosen to localize the production and manufacture of strategically important energy equipment. The project will create new highly skilled jobs and strengthen the economy. For its part, the region will ensure reliable cooperation," commented Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov.

"Today is a significant day for the Lipetsk SEZ. Another enterprise will appear at the site of the foundation stone. This is another step in the development of the industrial potential of the region and proof that the Lipetsk region remains an attractive platform for investors. Each new plant is not only a production facility, but also jobs and development of human resources. We are working purposefully to ensure that residents of the region have opportunities for professional development, and enterprises have access to qualified specialists," said Alexander Bazayev, General Director of the Lipetsk SEZ.

"We are confident that the launch of the LZVO plant will be a significant stage in our work to ensure the technological independence and industrial sovereignty of Russia. Our goal is to offer the market domestic high-tech equipment that will meet high standards. This is an important step for the country's energy sector, and we are happy to start it here, in the Lipetsk region," commented Dmitry Filatov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Advisor to the General Director of JSC NEC.

"Today we are laying not just a stone, but a foundation for the future of domestic production of switchgear. For us, the LZVO team, this is a great responsibility and an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of Russian energy. We are committed to active work, creating high-quality products and developing the competencies of our employees," said Anna Perepechenova, General Director of LZVO LLC.