OREANDA-NEWS. On 19 May 2009 was announced, that metal product output of Belarus’ state-owned Rechitsa hardware plant (RMZ), in the Gomel Region, increased 9.4% on the year in January-April to 36,690 tonnes, a representative with the plant told.

Wire output went up 41.9% to 14,623 tonnes, while nail output went down 0.5% to 16,401 tonnes, and fastener output went down 16.3% to 5,666 tonnes.

Overall output in monetary terms increased 5.6% to 60.959 billion Belarusian rubles (Br).

Exports decreased 21.7% to U.S. USD 20.09 million.

Specialists believe the reduction in exports is due to the aggressive policy of Russian producers who offer lower prices on the European market to reduce inventories.

In 2008, RMZ’s metal product output rose 7.1% on the year to 97,023 tonnes, worth 207.619 billion rubles, up 10.3%.

Exports increased 44.4% to USD 78.952 million.

Rechitsa hardware plant was founded in 1912. The plant manufactures metal products of around 5,000 standard sizes. Belarusian Metal Plant is RMZ’s main supplier of raw materials. The plant employs 2,100 personnel.

Exports traditionally account for 80% of the total output.