Significant production growth: BELAZ opens modernised test workshop for dump trucks and towing vehicles
The Belarusian giant of domestic mechanical engineering, BELAZ, is scaling up its production capacity. The Zhodino-based plant will now be able to manufacture around 1,200 dump trucks per year. This is thanks to the launch of an upgraded assembly line in the assembly and test workshop for dump trucks and towing vehicles. It forms part of a broad investment programme to modernise the entire production facility. The workshop specialises in the production of mining dump trucks with payload capacities from 110 to 240 tonnes, as well as special-purpose equipment.
Workshop capacity will allow 30 percent increase in output of most in-demand 130- and 220-tonne dump trucksNew horizons
The modernisation of BELAZ’s leading assembly line is one of the key areas of the enterprise’s extensive investment programme for the comprehensive reconstruction and technical re-equipment of the main mining equipment production facility. The workshop has been fully re-equipped, with the introduction of an in-house developed information management and monitoring system. Importantly, this enables real-time quality control and assembly process monitoring, ensuring optimal line performance.“The capacity of the upgraded workshop will allow a 30 percent increase in the production of the most in-demand 130- and 220-tonne dump trucks,” noted Sergei Lesin, General Director at BELAZ. “When we set out, our primary aim was to raise conveyor productivity, because during peak demand it was quite challenging to satisfy all customers. Our annual production capacity will rise to 1,200 dump trucks. Previously it stood at 1,000. Working conditions for employees have been improved, and the efficiency of the production spaces has been enhanced.”As part of the revamp, they have replaced all overhead cranes, engineering networks, communications and lighting in the workshop. The size of the exterior access gates has been increased, and the exhaust gas removal system installed during the initial machine start-up. A set of universal transport trolleys has been developed, and the loading area re-equipped, with two new stands added. The fuelling station is now fitted with high-tech equipment capable of simultaneously refuelling seven types of motor fuels and lubricants. In addition, they have arranged new storage systems for parts and components, as well as improved internal transport links between the workshop bays. The workshop opens up new horizons for the enterprise. Belarus’ Industry Minister Andrei Kuznetsov commented, “Thanks to such innovative projects, the Ministry of Industry feels more confident in both existing and prospective markets. Today, BELAZ is not just a plant; it is a Belarusian brand. And we must move forward, regardless of any obstacles.”
Left to right: General Director at BELAZ Sergei Lesin, Industry Minister Andrei Kuznetsov, Chairman of Brest Regional Executive Committee Piotr Parkhomchik, and Chairman of Zhodino City Executive Committee Aleksandr Tsivako during ceremonial opening of upgraded workshop
Ample opportunities
In general, the scope of design, construction, installation and commissioning works was colossal, and all has been done within short timeframes. Less than two years have passed from developing a plan at the end of 2023, which outlined the major stages for modernising the workshop’s conveyor line, to the realisation of this one of BELAZ’s largest and most multifaceted projects.
The length of the upgraded conveyor belt has increased to 130 metres, and it can now accommodate nine dump trucks at the same time, rather than six, allowing more detailed sequencing of the assembly stages. The workshop ensures comfortable and safe working conditions, while the workstations have been refurbished and provided with up-to-date equipment. Each of the nine workstations now features computers that enable staff to monitor data on the assembled machinery: the dump truck model, chassis number, percentage of assembly completion at each position, and other important information.
Groundwork for tomorrow
Today, BELAZ holds a third of the world market for quarry dump trucks, and its export footprint spans more than 80 countries. Along with that, the enterprise continues to implement large-scale and promising projects. The latest innovation is a hydrogen-powered dump truck. Plans include creating an entire line of heavy-duty vehicles powered by an environmentally friendly fuel, with payload capacities from 90 up to a record 450 tonnes.“We are currently expanding our production line for mining equipment. This year we plan to produce our first pilot model of a 40-tonne underground mining dump truck. Next will be a 17-tonne load-haul-dump machine. A 70-tonne heavy quarry grader is already in operation.Our strategy to diversify the product range is being implemented, in part, through the investment programme scheduled for five years. We expect to complete this cycle in 2026. The total amount of investment exceeds $300m, which strengthens our potential and allows us to look to the future of our enterprise and our country with greater confidence,” BELAZ’s chief executive Sergei Lesin shared plans.
By Vladislav Sychevich
Photos by Daria Titova
