"This is a forced measure to survive in some way." Kazan Electromechanical Plant has reduced its staff by 70%.

      The management of the Kazan Electromechanical Plant — a leading Russian manufacturer of aerial work platforms and fire ladders — has reduced its staff by 70%. This was reported to the publication "Real Time" by the company's general director Alexey Alekseev. "The plant is not closing, it is shrinking — there is a staff reduction. If we compare with the beginning of 2025, when we had 130 people, we have reduced the workforce by about 70%. Production volume has fallen, there are fewer orders, and the high key rate of the Central Bank has also played a role," Alekseev clarified.

      Another important factor, according to the general director, is related to foreign policy. Alekseev sees a serious threat to Russian industry in the development of trade relations with China. "The Chinese import in a way that is unclear — their similar products are 40% cheaper. We do not understand what is happening at all. What will happen next is that domestic enterprises, which have survived for decades and remained during the perestroika, will now close down. Because the pressure is too great — both external and internal," said Alexey Alekseev.

      At the plant in 2025, production volumes, according to management, fell by half, and in the first quarter of 2026 — already by 70%. "Therefore, the reduction of employees is a forced measure to survive somehow, to hold on for a little longer. We have warranty obligations, we need to meet them. We do make equipment. We cannot send everyone home," Alekseev added.

      "Real Time" reminds that previously the plant produced about a dozen units of special equipment with aerial work platforms per month. Now, however, the company has retained specialists to produce no more than two machines. Nevertheless, the plant does not particularly rely on government support. "Well, we tried, we went to the exhibition through the Ministry of Industry and Trade. But this is already agony — that’s how I would call it. There is no real financial support. We need a large order to revive. But I don’t see that ahead," Alekseev stated.

      He added that the main customers of the enterprise are government officials, energy workers, and oil workers. Alekseev suggested that their budgets have also been significantly cut, "since they are not ordering anything from us." "Right now, our enterprise is in great need of orders and their financing. Sometimes, ready machines are already standing, but they are not being paid for, we also do not understand what this is related to. The client has become difficult. The time from the contract to the final purchase has lengthened: we receive a call, two months later — a contract, three months later we have a deal. Now this stretches to six months, the timelines have increased by about two times. We cannot even plan," Alekseev explained.

      The Kazan Electromechanical Plant was founded in 1948, as stated on the official website of the enterprise. Initially, it was focused on the repair of generators, electric motors, the manufacture of power transformers and distribution points, and the production of electrical products for the needs of agriculture. Since 1957, the plant has specialized in the production of lifting equipment.

      The plant produces more than 30 articulated and telescopic models based on the chassis of GAZ, KAMAZ, Ural, Dongfeng, JAC, and Hyundai vehicles. As of December 2025, the company employed 165 people. Last year, the company's revenue fell by 20% — to 283 million rubles, and the losses amounted to about seven million, "Real Time" specifies.

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