TULA, Russia—Ansell Ltd. has opened its first production plant in Uzlovaya, a town in the Tula region of western Russia.
The plant will localize the production of ActivArmr Hycron gloves, which are designed to protect professionals in severe conditions, Ansell said in a statement.
At the first stage, the company plans to produce 2 million pairs of gloves per year, and subsequently aims to double the capacity in the future.
The plant, located on the premises of Technopark JSC "Plastik" in Uzlovaya, employs 120 people.
The local capacity will cover the demand in Russia, as well as Belarus and Kazakhstan, according to Ansell.
"Russia is a country with a developed industrial complex and huge potential for its growth," said Rikard Froberg, chief commercial officer EMEA/APAC. "Therefore, opening our own factory in Russia was a logical step for Ansell."
Ansell claimed to be one of the leaders in the Russian market of personal protective equipment, with its products covering 15 percent of the market.
In the segment of premium gloves, Ansell said its share exceeds 80 percent.
According its website, Ansell's ActivArmr Hycron gloves are based on its unique nitrile formulation and offer superior resistance to sharp and abrasive materials.
Stronger and more flexible than PVC, the products provide "excellent barrier to grease and oil, and does not degrade like leather or cotton."
