OREANDA-NEWS. December 14, 2007. A new shop for current repair of railroad cars was put into operation at the Balakhontsy Wagon Depot, a subsidiary of Uralkali (Berezniki, Perm Territory) Balakhontsy Wagon Depot, the company's press service reported. The launch of the shop will be instrumental in enhancing the quality of work and increasing the Depot's repair capacity from 500 to 800 cars a month. Earlier, current repairs were done on outdoor sites, which was a limiting factor for certain types of work.

The shop, with an area of 2,000 sq m designed for simultaneous repairs of 8 cars, is completely outfitted with the required equipment: cranes, electric jacks, welding machines, a system for mechanical removal of snow and left over production, and dust-absorption facilities. Vladislav Nechayev, Depot Chief Specialist for Production Development, developed a technologically safe welding system for preventing current passage through wheel set bearings which was installed in this shop.

Shop construction period: more than 12 months. Investment amount: about 140 million rubles. General Contractor: Berezniki Mine Building Directorate.

Irina Yamilova, Uralkali's Director for Transport and Logistics, said:

"The commissioning of the shop for current repair of railroad cars is part of the Uralkali Program for Repair Facilities Development for the period ending 2010. The Program implementation will enable Uralkali to repair its entire rolling-stock of about 4,500 units on the premises of the Balakhontsy Wagon Depot."

Under the Program, a wheel turning machine was put into operation in August 2007. This machine will fully cover the Company's need for wheel sets for both roundhouse servicing and current repair of railroad cars. Recently, Uralkali has started the construction of a wheel and roller shop, scheduled to open next year.