Denis Manturov took part in opening ceremony of silica gel and silica sol production plant in “Kulibin” SEZ in Dzerzhinsk

First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Sanosyan, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GC Titan JSC Mikhail Sutyaginsky opened the RusSilika LLC plant for the production of micronized silica gels and stable silica sols in the “Kulibin” special economic zone (SEZ) in Dzerzhinsk. The opening ceremony took place on June 2 as part of Denis Manturov's working visit to the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

Denis Manturov noted that the foundation stone for the RusSilika plant was laid exactly two years ago. Production was initially planned to launch by the end of 2025, but the enterprise has begun operations ahead of schedule.

“I would particularly like to emphasize that until now, silica gel had not been produced in Russia on an industrial scale. Thus, the plant is fully aligned with market demand. Moreover, the products have significant export potential, which has already led to an investment decision to further expand production. I am confident that with the support of the federal government and the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, all plans will be implemented. This fully aligns with the goal of achieving technological sovereignty in the chemical industry, which is the focus of the relevant national project. The Titan Group of Companies is actively involved in reviving the production of basic chemical products,” stated the First Deputy Prime Minister.

Micronized silica gels and stable silica sols are used in various industrial sectors and agriculture, including tire and rubber products manufacturing, chemical industry, oil refining, food production, etc.

The plant's annual production capacity is 12,000 tons of micronized silica gels and 6,000 tons of stable silica sols.

The products have been included by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade in the list of priority projects for small- and medium-tonnage chemical production, which have a comprehensive impact on the development of related economic sectors.

Gleb Nikitin, Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region, sent a welcoming address to the ceremony participants and the investor company:

“The launch of this unique production is of utmost importance for the Nizhny Novgorod Region and all of Russia, creating unprecedented opportunities for developing a domestic industry focused on environmentally friendly production of micronized silica gels and stable silica sols using world-class advanced technologies. The high-quality, import-substituting products manufactured here are in high demand and have broad applications – spanning more than 25 industrial and agricultural sectors. The professionalism, advanced expertise, results-driven approach, deep sense of responsibility, and teamwork of the employees are a solid foundation and guarantee for the company’s further progress and prosperity.”

Gleb Nikitin congratulated Dzerzhinsk residents on the launch of the new production and wished them success in implementing their ambitious future plans.

According to Andrey Sanosyan, Dzerzhinsk is actively developing as one of Russia's chemical hubs. Over 20 new projects in chemistry and petrochemistry have been approved in the “Kulibin” SEZ alone. The RusSilika project was implemented with state support measures.

The total investment in the project amounted to 21 billion rubles, creating over 200 jobs.

Mikhail Sutyaginsky added that the project will help meet domestic demand for micronized silica gels and stable silica sols while reducing reliance on foreign supplies.

During his working visit, Denis Manturov also toured Pervaya Tkatskaya Fabrika LLC in the “Volodarsk” territory of advanced development (TAD), where he was shown roll-blind production technology – the first of its kind in Russia. A domestic chemical enterprise specially developed a range of chemical preparations for this purpose.

With support from the Industrial Development Fund and the Government of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Pervaya Tkatskaya Fabrika LLC has implemented a large-scale import-substitution project in the textile industry. It is Russia’s first full-cycle textile production for wide-width woven and knitted fabrics made from synthetic and blended yarns, fully equipped with advanced machinery. Investments exceeded 3.3 billion rubles. The products can be used in light and chemical industries, as well as engineering. The factory’s annual capacity reaches 11 million linear meters of finished products. Currently, output of furniture, mattress, technical, and specialty fabrics accounts for 30% of total production capacity.

The investor has already begun developing the second phase of the factory, aimed at launching Russia’s first polyester fiber and yarn production using direct forming technology from domestic raw materials. The facility will be equipped with advanced machinery, with an annual output capacity of 130,000 tons. Plans include expanding the workforce to 350 employees, improving productivity through automation and digitalization, implementing automated intra-shop logistics, and continuing R&D for new technologies and materials.