JSC "Quartz" enters the world market, following modern trends

Today, modern innovative technologies are being introduced in all spheres of life. The development of innovations is increasingly having an impact on science, industrial, trade, economic and banking and financial relations. Joint-stock company "Quartz" is one of those enterprises that actively use innovative developments, enters the domestic and international markets with its products in accordance with modern trends.

Quartz JSC, located in Kuvasay city of Fergana region, is the largest industrial enterprise making a significant contribution to the development of our country's economy. The enterprise was organized in 1975 and has now become one of the most reputable enterprises in our country for the production of glass and glassware. It employs more than 2,200 people.

The company with an area of ​​about 50 hectares has 5 main production plants (for the production of glassware, ground glass, tempered glass and products of special strength) and 9 auxiliary production sites, which allows to increase the volume of products from year to year. So, if in 1991 only 5 types of cans and 9 types of bottles were produced, today 20 types of glass jars and 170 types of bottles are being produced and delivered to consumers.

Due to the modernization of production in 2015, a period of dynamic development began in the activities of the enterprise. As a result of an increase in the growth rates of light and heavy industry, construction, the demand for glass and glass products increased even more, and the task of uninterrupted supply of raw materials appeared. Therefore, the company urgently developed a program for the development of raw materials supplied from China, Russia and Tajikistan.

First of all, deposits of quartz sand, which are the main raw material in production, were studied in our country. The study of the deposits showed that the raw materials from the Jeroy deposits in the Navoi region meet the requirements. In 2016, as a result of further laboratory analysis and research, it was concluded that the raw material from the Jeroy sand deposits is suitable for the production of high-quality glass. Therefore, in September 2016, in the process of producing glass and glass products, local raw materials — quartz sand from the Navoi region — were used, and the company saves $ 2.5 million to $ 3 million annually. The opening of the Angren-Pap railway section in 2016 created the opportunity for quick and convenient delivery of raw materials to production sites.

In accordance with the developed program of strategic development of the enterprise for 2017–2021. a phased replacement of outdated production facilities with modern, economical equipment is planned. So, in 2017, due to the commissioning of energy-saving lines from the Italian companies Bottero and BDF Industries, the glassware production workshop was completely modernized. In order to improve the quality of quartz sand, magnetic separators were installed in the raw materials preparation shop.

Last year, the company purchased modern technologies that allow ceramic paint to be applied to glass and create various patterns and designs. Now in Uzbekistan for the first time appeared the know-how for the production of products made of hardened colored glass.

For the production of glass products are also necessary metal forms. The quality of glass products largely depends on the material and form design. In 2017, a universal US-made “Haas” machine was installed in the metal processing department in order to produce glassware with a modern design that meets all quality requirements. The installation of a multifunctional machine allowed us to significantly expand the range of products due to the production of various configured and designer glassware. In 2016, an energy-efficient induction casting complex from the world-renowned Chinese company Foachan Henoyan Fournays Manifecturing Company Limited was installed in addition to the complex for cast iron casting in the workshop. In 2015–2017 In order to provide compressed air for production sites, the old compressors operating in the workshop were replaced with modern, economical and energy-efficient Atlas Copco compressors (Belgium).

A workshop for the production of polyethylene film designed for branded packaging of glassware was also equipped with the latest technology. The commissioning of the shop for the manufacture of doors, window frames and double-glazed windows "Quartz-AKFA" for the so-called multi-layer windows gave additional production capabilities. And to speed up the delivery of soda ash and reduce production costs for the workshop for the production of plastic bags from the People's Republic of China, special machines were supplied and operated.

Currently, the company, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated May 19, 2017 "On measures to further expand the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People's Republic of China", has begun work on organizing the production of building glass with a capacity of 400 tons per day. As a result of the implementation of this project worth $ 70.2 million, it will be possible to produce an additional 22.2 million square meters. m flat glass per year, create 280 new jobs, achieve a sharp decline in the total volume of imported glass products in the domestic market.

The company is taking steps to build a new line for the production of thermoplastic glass - float glass and further improve the quality of its products.

The results of such actions are not long in coming - the demand for the company's products is growing every year, not only in our republic, but also in neighboring states, such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Any enterprise engaged in exporting considers the maintenance of product quality as its primary task, therefore, in Quartz JSC, special attention is paid to the implementation of a quality management system that meets international standards. So, in 2017, the Quartz Joint-Stock Company, one of the first among large enterprises in the country, was issued ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 50001: 2011 and energy management certificate UNI EN ISO 9001: 2015.

In turn, it would be appropriate to emphasize that the products manufactured by Quartz JSC are also recognized by foreign experts. At a review-competition held in Paris on April 7–8, 2017, the company's products were highly appreciated, and its management and staff were awarded the international Golden Star Quality Prize for their striving for quality improvement and the introduction of innovative and advanced technologies into production. Also, the company that took part in the international exhibition held on May 25 last year in Moscow was awarded the “International Quality Standard” award. And in December 2017 in Moscow, a solemn ceremony of awarding the company a diploma "Reliable Partner".

The announcement by the head of our state in 2018 as the “Year of Active Entrepreneurship, Support for Innovative Ideas and Technologies” became the basis for supporting innovative ideas of employees and employees of the enterprise. The enterprise encourages the strengthening of their interest in modern technology and technology, creates conditions for the development of the potential of creative thinking and creation, ensuring the preservation of the traditions established at the enterprise of a scientific school. As a result, among the young engineering and technical staff working in such innovative areas as the development of energy- and resource-saving technologies, information and communication technologies and the improvement of mechanics, advanced and initiative personnel were identified and supported.

Initially, the initiative “One idea - every week” was announced in the JSC, the results of which proved to be very effective. As part of this initiative, more than 40 proposals were received, which had a positive impact not only on production, but also on all the activities of the enterprise. Great interest was aroused among the employees and employees of the enterprise by the review contest “The Best Innovative Idea”, during which presentations of innovative ideas of the participants were widely discussed, and the winners were encouraged by material rewards.

The introduction of innovation in the enterprise is a timely decision. An effective innovation process, technology commercialization, and other high-tech products are possible only with the participation and active support of innovation by the real sector of the economy. The management of the company understands this, therefore the decision of the general meeting of shareholders at the enterprise established the Innovation Support Fund and approved its charter.

Today, the joint-stock company "Quartz" has set a goal to actively introduce innovative ideas into practice in order to achieve full satisfaction of the needs of our country and neighboring countries in modern glass products, in order to make a worthy contribution to the development of the country's economy.

Akmal Pulatov,
Chairman of the Board of JSC "Quartz"