In an exclusive interview with the "MediaCube" online news outlet, Vladimir Daut, the General Director of PJSC "Metafrax", spoke about investment projects that are planned to be implemented at the enterprise after the completion of the construction of the "Ammonia-Urea-Melamine" (AUM) complex, professional training of highly qualified specialists and engineers, the company's housing program, renewal of the city’s appearance and development of the social sector of Gubakha.

Read the interview at the outlet’s website: https://mediakub.net/article/bolshie-vozmozhnosti-malenkogo-goroda-generalnyy-direktor-pao-metafraks-vladimir-daut-dal-eksklyuzivnoe-intervyu-mediakubu

Repairs were carried out at the methanol production facility at the "Metafrax Chemicals" enterprise by order of General Director, Vladimir Daut. In addition to maintenance of the unit, technical expertise and diagnostics, integration with the Ammonia-Urea-Melamine (AUM) complex, which is currently under construction, has been completed.

- An important stage of the entire work complex was the performance of tie-in to the main gas duct, which will allow gas to be supplied to the AUM Complex, - stated Alexander Vdovin, Technical Director of PJSC "Metafrax".

In addition, the waste heat boiler of the reforming furnace no. 2 was repaired and the rubber lining of the sixth block (demineralized water) filter was replaced.

- At the third block, we have upgraded the oil system of the blower fan as well as carried out integrated survey of the boiler, which has been operating since 1984, - explained Alexander Vdovin.  

At the first block (rectification), the piping of heat exchanger–reboiler was performed on the main rectification column with the installation of stainless steel pipelines. On the eighth block (compression), the shut-off valves were replaced. Equipment expertise was organized at the methanol unit: pipelines, steam ducts, a battery of tanks - pressure vessels/devices were checked. Routine activities were performed per punch lists that were made during the operation of the equipment. More than 500 people took part in those activities. The partial oxidation unit for natural gas was repaired.

- Major repairs and equipment upgrades are carried out annually at the methanol unit. For example, in 2019, we replaced the reformer pipes at furnace no. 2, and this year we are replacing the ID fan at furnace no. 1, - specified Alexander Vdovin.

The capacity of the unit will remain the same: 3,4 thousand tons of rectified methanol per day. But as a result of the major repairs, the efficiency of product fabrication will significantly increase due to the redistribution of syngas production: both furnaces will operate in a partial load mode, and the РОХ unit will be more loaded. Redistribution of the raw material flow will increase the efficiency of its consumption and increase the service life of the reformer pipes of both reforming furnaces.

The reliability of the production power supply was also improved during the repair activities. The design element base of the 10 kV panel protection diagram was been completely replaced from the outdated analog version to the digital one. Work continues on relay protection at 0.4 kV switchboards with the replacement of the outdated base with a modern one.

According to results of the 1st half of 2020, Metafrax Group's IFRS revenue amounted to 22.9 billion rubles. Compared to the same period of 2019, this figure decreased by 6.7 billion rubles or 23%. The decrease in net profit amounted to 59%. The Company's performance is associated with a significant drop in prices and consumption volumes on the global and Russian chemical market, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

 "Of course, the pandemic and the economic crisis of 2020 affected our financial performance. The market situation in the 1st half of the year was changing very rapidly. April was the most difficult and uncertain month for all Group companies. We acted in extremely difficult conditions, the level of anxiety in the markets was the highest”, says Chairman of the Board of Directors of PJSC Metafrax Armen Garslyan. "At the beginning of the pandemic, we assessed our strength and formed a set of anti-crisis measures. Despite difficult conditions, we managed to maintain our stability due to government support measures. Today we state that we have fulfilled the main task - to preserve the staff of companies and the efficiency of enterprises belonging to Metafrax Group”.

Despite the crisis phenomena in the economy, Metafrax Group continues to implement current investment projects. Main directions of capital investments in the 1st half of 2020 are as follows: construction of Ammonia-Urea-Melamine complex; implementation of investment project for formalin and paraformaldehyde production at the industrial site of PJSC Metafrax in Gubakha; installation of reactor and construction of infrastructure for phenol-formaldehyde resins production at the production site of LLC Metadinea in Gubakha.

By the end of the year the company expects stabilization in the market, but doesn’t rule out changes in its structure: "According to our analysts' forecasts, the situation in the chemical products market will gradually stabilize. However, the peculiarity of the current situation is that the structure and priorities of consumption are changing. There is no guarantee that trends that prevailed before will remain", states Armen Garslyan.

New brand of Metafrax Group developed jointly with the Moscow agency Electric Brand Consultants was granted the international award Red Dot Design Award 2020.

New Metafrax Group brand was granted with Red Dot award, the most prestigious international award in area of design, on which this year were submitted more than 7 000 applications from different parts of the world. Rebranding of Metafrax Group was marked with the award in the category of Brands & Communication Design 2020.

Metafrax Group is the biggest methanol producer in Russia and Europe. Company products are used everywhere: from pharmacy to furniture and automobile production. As a result of the organic growth, Metafrax Group during its 65 years history became the company with multibillion income and assets in Russia, Austria, Switzerland and Korea.

Agency Electric Brand Consultants made rebranding of Metafrax Group. Rebranding project of Metafrax Group included development of the brand-strategy, naming and brand architecture creation, corporate identity creation, communication concept, brand film as well as web sites of all the Group companies, as well as the new brand start-up.

This project gave the win for the company in the nomination Corporate Design &Identity – Relaunch on the international competition Red Dot Design Award, which is for 65 years annually held in Europe.

Seyfeddin Rustamov, PJSC Metafrax beneficial owner: “Rebranding of our group was based on the deep investigation of the industry tendencies and competitive environment. That’s why we can say with confidence that changes connected to our brand are important for the industry in general, since consider its experience.”

In the new logo the central element became a dot: symbol of beginning and balance. The dot makes circle signifying unity and integrity. The connections between the dots are the balance of stability and movement. The slope of the received spherical shape gives to the new symbol the development direction.

The main color of the new corporate identity became purple (Metafrax Purple) combining stability and dynamic symbolizing transformation, transition from one state to another.

Brand implementation was happening in the navigation system on facilities of the Metafrax Group affiliated brands (from preparation of the offices till the enterprises infrastructures), painting of the transportation tanks and creation of another brand mediums: business documentation, souvenir and advertisement products and etc.

IX theater landscape festival “Mysteries of the Krestovaya mountain” will take place on 22 August in Gubakha following all sanitary and epidemiological rules. This year within the project “The sunset on the Krestovaya mountain” Bashkir state theater of opera and ballet will present the single act ballet “What the stones keep silence about”. The start of the event is at 7:30 p.m.

“This year the festival organization on the Krestovaya mountain became possible after preparatory works by the regional Ministry of Culture with the Administration of the Perm region Rospotrebnadzor”, informed the deputy of the Legislative Assembly in Perm region Armen Garslyan. “Earlier relevant instruction within the Emergency center was given by the region head Dmitry Makhonin. As a result, were taken necessary safety actions, opening program will be visited by no more than 1000 persons”.

“We understand that people miss ballet and theater, culture and beauty, but today our major task is to ensure safety of the audience”, said chairman of the festival organization committee, advisor of “Metafrax” Board of Directors chairman  Maria Konovalova. “Today’s conditions and limitations define its rules and on behalf of the festival organization committee we ask the audience to be understanding about the existing requirements. This time we can gather no more than 1000 persons. The placement will be made following the social distancing of 1,5 meter between the chairs. On behalf of the festival organization committee I would like to express the gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of Perm region for enormous preparation work”.

For convenience and safety of all the participants of the event there are two ways up being organized: automobile and pedestrian, which can be used only by the holders of the tickets, invitations and passes. The tickets can be purchased on the site of the Youth theater Dominanta: teatrd.ru.

All the check points will be ensured with the contactless temperature indicators, sanitizers, as well as personal protective equipment (masks, gloves) for each viewer. To follow social distance the territory of Rudyandsky Spoy will be marked with the meter and half circles, inside of which individually or with the small groups (coming together) the festival visitors can be placed.

The ballet “What the stones keep silence about” will bring the audience in fascinating in their beauty and nature Bashkortastan landscapes. Exactly here, near the cave of Shulgan-Tash were born the unique records of the Bashkir folk art: the legend “Akbuzat” and the epos “Ural Batur”.

“With the repertoire of Bashkir theater of opera and ballet we got familiar 2 years ago during their visit to Perm. We were impressed and we got an idea to invite them to festival “The mysteries of the Krestovaya mountain”, comments Maria Konovalova. “What the stones keep silence about” is a single act authentic ballet, the very name of which is consonant with the Krestovaya Mountain”.

For those who cannot visit the event of the landscape festival Vetta television company will film and broadcast the event. In such a way “The sunset on the Krestovaya mountain” will be possible to virtually visit by all who wants, not only from Perm region, but from other regions as well.---

“The mysteries of the Krestovaya mountain” is a theater landscape festival, which is being held from 2012 in Gubakha, on the Krestovaya mountain, top of the Rudyansky Spoy mountain chain. On the Krestovaya mountain Perm academy theater of opera and ballet named after P.I. Tchaikovsky, Alexey Rubnikov Moscow Theater, theater Ballet of Evgeny Panfilov, Perm academy Theater-Theater showed their plays. For the past years the festival was visited by 80 000 persons.

Armen Garslyan, chairman of the Board of Directors of PJSC "Metafrax" announced the early return of the company's day-time personnel to a five-day work schedule from September 1, 2020. This decision was made by the anti-crisis headquarters of "Metafrax Group" in order to maintain the production process and the welfare of the company's employees.

The return to the "five-day working week" took place ahead of schedule, two months earlier than planned. Day-time personnel of "Metafrax" temporarily switched to a four-day work schedule for six months from May 1, 2020. This emergency measure was taken due to the risks of a significant drop in product sales volumes. At the same time, work was carried out in a continuous mode at the construction site of the Ammonia-Urea-Melamine (AUM) complex in Gubakha. By the decision of the Ministry of construction of the Perm region, the AUM complex construction was included in the permitted list of objects, on which works should not cease. PJSC "Metafrax" was included in the list of systemic enterprises of the country.

- Returning to the "five-day working week" will allow employees and their families to return to their usual way of life. Today we can already say that we have persevered. The anti-crisis decisions that we have made have given a positive result. The most important thing is that in a difficult situation, we did not stop production and continued the AUM complex construction. Thank you to the managers and all employees of the company for their understanding. Special thanks to the head of the region, Dmitry Nikolaevich Mahonin, and his team for their provided support, - stated Armen Garslyan. 

By interacting with universities, we are fulfilling the new role of "Metafrax Group" - a guardian entrusted with the development and support of the social environment

"Metafrax Group" has been systematically supporting educational projects for many years. This applies not only to the field of chemistry and targeted training of personnel for its own production facilities.

In addition to systematic interaction with chemists of Perm national research polytechnical university and Perm state national research university, top managers of the group of companies give lectures to future lawyers, managers and economists, participate in organisation of scientific forums and speak at conferences. Both universities and "Metafrax" enterprises benefit from professional communication on such platforms. Students get familiar with the best practical experience and managers always stay up to date with current scientific trends.

Simon Vihnin, Director of Legal Affairs of "Metafrax" PJSC, Maria Konovalova, adviser to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Metafrax" PJSC, Oleg Gordienko, Deputy General Director for Economics and Finance of "Metafrax Trading" LLC and Levon Garslyan, Deputy General Director for strategy and investment at "Metadynea", told reporters of "Business Class" publication about joint projects with Perm and Moscow universities. Link to the publication: https://www.business-class.su/news/2020/08/06/znaniya-dlya-budushchego-top-menedzhery-metafraks-grupp-delyatsya-opytom-so-studentami-vuzov

PJSC Metafrax and Altex-Stroy LLC have concluded a memorandum of understanding in relation to the general contractor contract signing for construction of the paraformaldehyde and formaldehyde production plants. The document was signed by general director of Metafrax Vladimir Daut and general director of Altex Stroy Sergey Sedov. Memorandum signing ceremony was held on 29th July 2020 on the facility of the Perm region administration in presence of the region head Dmitry Makhonin, vice president of the RF Commerce and Industry Chamber Elena Dybova and PJSC Metafrax board of directors chairman Armen Garslyan. 

The document confirms the readiness of Metafrax to invest more than 5 billion rubles (without VAT) in the investment project execution for creation of the paraformaldehyde (30 thousand tons per year) and formaldehyde (180 thousand tons per year) production on the production facility in Gubakha. The company Altex-Stroy confirms intention to sign in 2020 a contract of the construction contractor for the plants construction. 

The new plants start-up will allow to create at the enterprise more than 30 work places and increase the internal processing of methanol by 90 thousand tons per year. In such a way, the amount of methanol processing by the end of 2022 will reach approximately 450 thousand tons per year.

“Deeper methanol processing and output of the products, which previously were not produced in Russia, are foreseen by Metafrax development strategy till 2030. After commissioning of the new plant we will receive paraformaldehyde and become its only producer throughout the post Soviet Union area. We already have understanding, what the portfolio will be. I believe that thanks to our project the consumption amount for this product will increase in Russia”, clarified Armen Garslyan. 

“For our enterprise this is the second most important project after construction of Ammonia-Urea-Melamine (AUM) complex in terms of the investment amounts during the last years. We are going not just provide the Russian enterprises with paraformaldehyde. More than half of the product we are going to export”, informed Vladimir Daut.

“Altex-Stroy already for two years has been working on the AUM construction site. The new project is quite clear for us. We do not see any fundamental difficulties in construction and start-up of the plants in time”, stated Sergey Sedov.

“Just recently we met on the construction of the large-scale project, which is implemented by Metafrax: AUM Complex in Gubakha. Despite the global problems of today on the global markets, the investment activity of the company does not weaken. The paraformaldehyde plant construction project is aimed to import substitution. It means that the Russian enterprises will be less dependent on the import products. In Gubakha there will be more than 30 new well paid and highly-skilled work places. The social program of the  company creates in Gubakha the stability center. When there are a lot of such “centers”, quality of life in region is substantially better”, highlighted Dmitry Makhonin.

“At this difficult time we very often visit the regions and we see that the major part of the business points to the problems, difficulties. That is why implementation of such projects, and this is quite serious investments, is an indicator that Perm region and its administration purposefully support entrepreneurs, offer help to the business, create the conditions when the technologies, moneys are coming, work places are being created, not closed”,  noted Elena Dybova.

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Technology and equipment supplier of paraformaldehyde production for Metafrax will be the engineering company GEA Process Engineering (Denmark). Technology licensor for formaldehyde production is Dynea AS (Norway).

In June 2019 a special investment contract (SPIC) was signed on the project execution. Within the program “Development projects” an agreement was signed with the Industry development Fund regarding provision of a loan in amount of 500 million rubles. Project implementation was started by Metafrax in 2019. Putting the facility in operation is planned for the end of 2021.

At the first half of 2020, the revenues of PJSC Metafrax as per Russian Accounting Standard were 9,75 billion rubles. In comparison with the same period in 2019, this figure fell by 3,4 billion rubles or 25,9%. The decline of the company’s financial figures is attributed to the general fall of prices and consumption volumes in the global and Russian chemical products markets due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the economic crisis phenomena, Metafrax continues implementing the current investment projects on the construction of ‘Ammonia-Urea-Melamine’complex and formalin and paraformaldehyde production plants.

The company’s investment budget in the first half of the year exceeded 5 billion rubles. The main lines of the capital investments were: the construction of ‘Ammonia-Urea-Melamine’complex - 4,2 billion rubles; the implementation of the investment project on the construction of formalin and paraformaldehyde plants – 173,8 million rubles; the construction of two residential buildings for the company’s employees – 115,9 million rubles. 

“At the beginning of the pandemic we estimated our powers and developed a set of anti-crisis measures. Despite the difficult conditions we managed to retain stability,” commented Armen Garslyan, the Chairman of the Board of PJSC Metafrax. “The promptly adopted set of measures guarantees the steady production and commercial operations of the company. As of today we state that we have fulfilled the main objective – we have retained the company’s team and the production performance capability.”

For the first half of 2020 the actual production volume of methanol was 625,3 thousand tonnes, of concentrated formalin - 108,7 thousand tonnes, of urea formaldehyde concentrate - 80,4 thousand tonnes, of pentaerythritol - 12,4 thousand tonnes, of hexamine - 13,7 thousand tonnes.

Metafrax and Perm Art Gallery start the implementation of the cooperated immersive project “Inside The Picture”.

This is a modern exhibition for children containing artworks, information accessibility, memorable installment, interactivity and a combination of different perception forms: visual, tactile and audio. 

A large collection of paintings in the gallery will allow showing bright and memorable artworks, and the implementation of modern multimedia formats will make the exhibition informational-intensive and apprehensive. The project is implemented with the support of PJSC Metafrax beneficial owner Seyfeddin Roustamov. 

“The peculiarity of this exhibition is that it will comply with children’s conception of the perfect exhibition. For this, we held a special poll for our young viewers.  Here it will be possible and it’s needed to see, research, think, ask questions, search for answers and interpret. There will be also new things that nobody does: children will be able to create artworks directly in the installment with any risks for exhibits: to paint in the air using a web-cam and monitor, by a program that recognizes hand moves. It allows to paint with gestures, transform color ideas in motion and save works of children on phone or tablet”,-said Science Deputy Director of Perm Art Gallery Olga Startseva. 

According to her story, an important additional format is a 4 episode cartoon, where the main character is a young artist.  There will be also prepared a visual tour for those, who are so far and for children and adults with disabilities. The exhibition journey is accompanied by a story of museum teacher about how and when a picture is created, which technologies can be and how to learn seeing something invisible. The exhibition will be opened in December this year.

Perm Art Gallery and Metafrax are connected by a longtime and productive partnership that it’s a great example of cooperation between the big industrial business and the cultural sphere.

“We planned initially that the exhibition will be interactive. Nowadays, in limited conditions due to the pandemic, this decision became very well-timed and relevant”,-commented the adviser to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of PJSC Metafrax Maria Konovalova. It’s planned that after the closure of the exhibition in Perm, it will be held in the local history museum of Gubakha. It’s a good opportunity to show the legacy of Perm Gallery in Gubakha for development of town cultural potential”.

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The exhibition will be a continuation of another cooperative project between Perm Gallery and Metafrax: Chemistry of art. It was implemented in 2019. Its aim was to tell young viewers about non-possibility for existing of art without science on the example of artworks, which knowledge and possession are obligatory for each artist. 

Seven winners of the competition received grants from the PJSC Metafrax for the training under the “Junior Live Career Navigator” program at the Moscow School of Management “Skolkovo”. The start of training took place on July 6.

The Company announced the implementation of the joint educational project of "Metafrax" and "Skolkovo" for schoolchildren in the Kizel Coal-Basin towns at the end of 2019.

In total, more than 60 schoolchildren of grades 8-11 from Gubakha, Kizel and Gremyachinsk became participants of the project. Evaluation of the works was carried out by a competition commission from representatives of the “Skolkovo” School of Management and the “Metafrax Group”. The project was being implemented with the support of the majority shareholder of PJSC Metafrax Mr. Seifeddin Rustamov.

The selection took place in three stages. As part of the first stage, students had to write an essay on the topic “Who from the businessmen inspires me?” At the second stage the participants listened to an online lecture on the topic "How to Tell Your Story." Based on the gained knowledge the pupils had to talk about one of the products of the “Metafrax Group” in the form of a video message or presentation. 17 people took part in the second stage. Each work was unique in its own way and reflected the individuality of the participants.

14 pupils took part in the final selection and sent their videos about career development ideas. As a result of the competition, seven winners got the opportunity to undergo training on the “Junior Live Career Navigator” online program at the Moscow School of Management “Skolkovo”.

Over 2 months of training leading “Skolkovo” teachers and experts will help students to decide on the choice of a university and future profession, in which they want to develop. The training program includes 7 modules, based on the results of which each participant will draw up a preparation plan for the implementation of their professional identity and continuous development for 10 years in advance.

 «This unique education project for the Kizel coal basin’s towns became possible thanks to the cooperation between the township-forming enterprise “Metafrax” and the Moscow School of Management “Skolkovo”, - commented the assistant of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Metafrax”  Mrs. Maria Konovalova. – Despite the difficulties, that we had to face due to the restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, we found an interesting format for online learning for pupils. The “Career Navigator” is a great opportunity for high school students to decide on the choice of a university and future profession. It is important, that schoolchildren not only from Gubakha, but also from Kizel and Gremyachinsk became the finalists and participants of the training at “Skolkovo”. We thank everyone for the active participation in the project and wish them further success».

Despite the cold and rainy weather in the second half of June, the installation of steel structures and equipment on facilities for Ammonia-urea-melamine (AUM) Complex of Metafrax Chemicals was continued. Works are proceeded as per schedules.

The installation of upper cladding for spherical tanks at liquid ammonia storage has been continued. Sheet stainless steel with thickness of 1 mm is used. The volume of one tank is 3000 m3, diameter is 18 m. The total square area of stainless steel cladding surface for three tanks exceeds 3000 m2.

The big scope of works is performed by fitters of Uralenergomontazh company (UEM). At the highest tower of Urea plant (height of 61 m) they lifted up, put between steel structures and fixed at elevation of 54 m an MP absorber with mass of about 10 tones. Besides, workers of this subcontractor company installed 8 items of big equipment with mass of more than 30 tones: 4 steam condensators,  2 condensate separators and 2 vacuum separators of melamine plant at different elevations of off-gas pump house tower for urea plant.

On regenerator of CO2 recovery unit the installation of service platforms, staircases, process pipelines and equipment piping inside the pump station building has been continued.

Workers of subcontractor organization Altex Stroy continue the installation of piperack coming from building of urea classifier for AUM storage facility up to operating urea storage. Five spans with mass of more than 70 tones are installed. In upcoming days 3 spans more will be erected.  

As part of a working trip to the cities of Kizel Coal Basin, Dmitry Mahonin, the head of the Perm region, visited the production site of the "Metafrax Chemicals" company. Armen Garslyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company  and Vladimir Daut, its General Director, briefed the Governor regarding the implementation progress of the largest investment project in the Kama region for the construction of "Ammonia-Urea-Melamine" complex (AUM).

- At the moment, the construction of the main structures of the complex is being completed and the installation of complex process equipment is underway. The works are carried out at the maximum possible pace and in compliance with anti-epidemic requirements. Each day there are over two thousand people working on site, - said Armen Garslyan.

The scope of completed construction and installation works at the facility reached 70%. The unit readiness of the future complex is from 50 to 80%. The volume of investments reached 48 billion rubles, excluding VAT.

At the AUM complex construction site, the head of the region inspected the ammonia compression workshop, laboratories and the Central control room (CCR). Dmitry Mahonin also visited the CCR of methanol production and the enterprise museum, where he left a memorable entry in the Book of honoured guests.

- Metafrax's production culture is one of the best in the country and it is impressive. Investment in the AUM complex construction equals an investment in the development of the Perm region territory. I hope that all the upcoming plans will be implemented by Metafrax and I wish success to the management and staff. As a regional government, we are ready to go shoulder to shoulder with the company in regards to forming social infrastructure in Gubakha and providing tax incentives and preferences for new investments, - Dmitry Mahonin stressed. 

The total cost of the project implementation for the AUM complex construction is estimated at more than 58 billion rubles, excluding VAT. It is planned to create more than 400 new job positions. The design capacity of the plant will allow to annually produce up to 575 thousand tons of urea, 308 thousand tons of ammonia and 40 thousand tons of melamine per year.

Levon Garslyan, Deputy General Director for strategy and investment at "Metadynea"​, spoke about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the construction and lumber industry and the company's forecasts for the synthetic resin market recovery, while giving comments to "Kommersant".

According to the forecasts of "Metadynea" analysts, the construction industry, which is one of the largest consumers of oil- and gas-based chemical products, may fall in volume by almost 50% in 2021, while in the lumber industry, the drop in production may reach 30%.​

"The duration and depth of the decline will directly depend on the intensity of the virus spread, the effectiveness and duration of restrictive measures as well as support measures for the population and businesses," - Levon Garslyan believes. 

In his opinion, in the current situation the government should, first of all, stimulate demand, as well as help businesses through subsidizing current investment loans for projects and provide support during the quarantine period, when enterprises are idle or their load is significantly reduced.

The full text of the analytical material is available on the "Kommersant" website through the link. 

Employees of "MetaTransStroy", a part of "Metafrax Group", carried out repair works in the church in honour of "Joy of all Mourners", the icon of the Mother of God,  in Gubakha. The works were organized as a charity and involved qualified climbers.

- At the end of last year and during this year, "MetaTransStroy" performed partial repairs of the roof, external drainage and heat tracing system of the church, with the restoration of landscaping. We also installed walkways with polymer coating under the dome of the church, partially replaced the stained glass windows and double glass panes, performed window washing and plastering work under the dome, - said Alexander Gerovich, General Director of "MetaTransStroy" LLC.  

- Now our beautiful church will be in good condition. Our requests for help are never ignored. I thank Vladimir Alexandrovich Daut for the good deeds as well as all the workers of the enterprise that has organized and conducted these works, - as said to the "Mediacube" online news outlet by senior priest Yaroslav Monchak, member of Gubakha's church in honour of "Joy of all Mourners", the icon of the Mother of God.

"Joy of all Mourners", the icon of the Mother of God, was built at the expense of donations from residents of Gubakha and patrons and was consecrated in 2007. A significant contribution to the construction of the church was made by the city-forming enterprises - "Metafrax" PJSC and "Gubakha's coke" JSC. The congregation had organised a Board of Trustees, which was chaired by Vladimir Daut, General Director of "Metafrax" PJSC. 

The scope of the performed construction activities in the production (ISBL) area of the "Ammonia-Urea-Melamine" Complex reached 70%. The main powers of the constructors are directed now to the installation of the process pipelines and electrical equipment, laying of electrical cables.

On the first terrace concreting of floors and basins under the pipe racks is being completed. Work contractors carry out electrical installation works on laying cables on the process pipe racks and inside the buildings. Lighting and grounding systems are being installed. Preparations have begun for hydraulic testing of ammonia unit pipelines.

The installation of process equipment has been completed and preparations for the difficult technological process have begun in the steam boiler area, namely – chemical cleaning of the pipelines by forces of the specialized Company   LLC «Sibtech» (Novosibirsk).

The installation of the low pressure pump house   and installation of process pipelines is going on for the urea unit. 85 of 149 items of equipment are installed in the high pressure pump house. 42 items of rotating equipment are released, piping of them is in progress now.

The installation of steel structures of the building is going on for the melamine plant.  The works for the zero cycle are at the final stage. The installation of concrete floors for the melamine pump house, concrete floors and basins for equipment is in progress. The Installation of equipment is also in progress at various elevations of the building.

The pump house of melamine is the most difficult object of the AUM Complex from the process point of view.  Work Contractors have already installed here   90 of 158 items of equipment. The installation of the drying and melamine filtration unit is going on. The melamine disintegrator was installed here in June. Constructors have started the installation of steel structures of the melamine transportation gallery.

At the end of 2019, Metafrax Trading International (MFTI) acquired 80th place in the global chemical distributors rating.  «ICIS Chemical Business» magazine's rating represents industry leaders evaluated by cost of sales.

MFTI was first included in this prestigious list in 2017. Compared to the previous period, company maintained a high position in the global rating and improved its position in a number of regional ratings. Moreover, for the first time company is represented in the rating for Latin American market.

In 2019, company's sales revenue decreased by 28 million dollars and amounted to 184 million dollars.

"Reasons for such decline were general market conditions and methanol price decrease. At the same time, volume of sales increased by 17%. In 2019 company sold 623 thousand tons of products against 531 thousand tons in 2018", - comments Vasily Mikhailov, trader of Metafrax Trading International.

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«ICIS Chemical Business» magazine is published by ICIS News Agency, which analyses state of chemical markets. Agency is considered to be the only recognized pricing agency on the global methanol market.

Viktor Suruda, General Director of «Uralenergostroy» MC, visited the construction site of the Ammonia-Urea-Melamine (AUM) complex of «Metafrax Chemicals» company in Gubakha.

"Uralenergostroy" ("UES") is the general contractor for the construction of the ISBL area facilities (production facilities) of the AUM complex. During the trip, the head of the management company monitored the progress of construction and installation works at the site and discussed the completion dates for the construction of facilities. The head was accompanied by his deputy, Sergey Lozhkin, the Director of the Perm branch of the company as well as by Vladimir Pavlov, the project manager. Viktor Borisovich inspected the auxiliary boiler room, ammonia compression and synthesis areas, units for CO2 recovery from flue gases as well as urea and melamine units.

Following the visit, the General Director of "UES" stressed that the invaluable work experience gained in Gubakha while implementing a unique project will strengthen the professional qualities of the staff, will contribute to the development of the potential and the growth of the authority of "Uralenergostroy".

- The participation of our company as a general contractor of such a large-scale project is a significant event in its eighty-two-year history. Trusting partnership relations with the customer – "Metafrax" PJSC - will have a positive impact on the reputation of "UES" and will be the key to fruitful cooperation. And if "Metafrax" invites our company to participate in its new projects again, we will gladly accept the offer and guarantee the quality of work", - stated Viktor Suruda.

"Uralenergostroy" Management Company is one of the largest suppliers of construction and installation services for industrial complexes and generation facilities on the Russian market. The number of thermal power plants, GRES and nuclear power plants constructed by "UES" employees is approaching 40 facilities. Viktor Suruda, the Honoured Builder of Russia, was born in Sverdlovsk in 1942. From 1965 to 1988, he worked as a foreman, master, Deputy Manager of the "Uralenergostroy" trust and then became its manager. He has been a General Director of "UES" company since 2004.

In 2018, "Metafrax" supported the project of the "Dedmorozim" Foundation for the development of bone marrow donation in the Perm region. By the decision of the beneficial owner Seifeddin Rustamov, the company made a donation that provided for a year of donation centers operation. More than 150 employees provided blood samples and became potential donors during a series of corporate events.

The beneficial effect of the "Mind Donation" project is still noticeable. Recently, 3 donors from the Perm region have been "activated", moreover, two of them were “activated” in one day.

- It is valuable for us that we have made a contribution to the future in such a way. In order to cure cancer, doctors from all over the country will turn to the National register for many years, - said Maria Konovalova, adviser to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Metafrax" PJSC.

Details are available on the "Dedmorozim" Charity Foundation website: https://dedmorozim.ru/2020/06/11/dvojnoe-sovpadenie-v-odin-den-dva-permyaka-poluchili-shans-spasti-zhizn/

In autumn of 2020 Metafrax will complete the construction of the two more houses for Gubakha citizens.

In Gubakha, at the top of Lenina street there is ongoing construction of the residential area of the modern brick nine-story houses. In autumn 2019 Metafrax constructed and settled 4 nine-story houses with total area 26,8 thsd. square meters. In February 2019 the construction of the two more houses was started with 81 apartment in each. Their settlement is planned for autumn 2020.

The houses are being constructed by MetaTransStroy, the part of Metafrax Group. Now the construction workers are finishing the territory near the houses around fifth and sixth building, equip in the new houses roofs and heating systems, adjust the elevator performance, water supply systems and sewer, electricity and gas supply. In all the rooms the finishing works are being completed.

“The housing program is an important aspect of our social and HR policy. With all the complexities of the present time we pay special attention to it. The need for the quality housing is a priority, that’s why we help our employees with what they need the most. To construct the 6 houses the company provided 1 billion rubles”, informed PJSC Metafrax general director Vladimir Daut.

Metafrax step by step implements its housing program. The total area of residential buildings built by the company since 2002 is 60 thousand square meters, including the last 6 houses - 46 thousand square meters.

“Metafrax as a socially responsible employer develops the housing construction in Gubakha. For the first time in many years there is an integrated housing construction of the whole residential area. The company is constructing the houses in accordance with the unique design and finishing the area around the houses on the brand new level for our town. These skyscrapers embellished Gubakha, they were built considering the architectural concept of development and improvement of the town area” highlighted Gubakha town area head Nikolay Lazeikin.

The substantial part of the new houses is dedicated for the employees of the constructed Ammonia-Urea-Melamine complex. The apartments in the new houses are received both by the young specialists of Metafrax and by the experienced employees. The apartments are provided to the company employees for rent, or they can be purchased with payment by installments

till 15 years. The employees have a right for an interest-free loan and discounts for the apartments purchasing. Part of the apartments in the new houses is foreseen for the town needs, including as well the families of the medical specialists and teachers.