OSV moves some operations to Poland following Russian invasion

OLESHKY, Ukraine—OSV Technology L.L.C. is restarting some operations in Poland after halting its business in Oleshky following Russia's invasion and occupation of the Ukrainian city on Feb 24.

"(The) Russian army invaded our country performing the criminal order of its president. We still cannot believe it became possible in 2022 but indeed it's not a nightmare and we can't simply wake up and get rid of it," the polyurethane business said in a March 3 announcement. "Instead, our army must defend our land and our people from the Russian aggression."

See our full and ongoing coverage of impacts from the war in Ukraine.

After halting operations at its Ukraine site for the safety of its employees, according to a March 11 update, OSV said in a following March 17 update that it was to begin restoring work and accepting orders in Poland. The company said interaction with its Oleshky team is remote.

"Most of the staff are at homes in Oleshky or have evacuated to western Ukraine, which is relatively safe at the moment. They have food and are taking care of their families," Managing Director Alexey Kuznecov said in a mid-March statement.

Three staff members—Oleg Vaikhanskyi, Yuriy Shafran and senior engineer Anton Ivanov—have moved to Poland and are trying to restart the business building dosing machinery there, according to OSV. The company has a Polish subsidiary, which can make payments and take orders.

"The most important thing that the polyurethane community can do to help our nation and our country is to immediately stop any business and relationships with Russia," Kuznecov said, noting the company will need new orders for OSV metering and mixing machines.

"We'd like to thank our customers, suppliers and business partners who support us during these terrible times."

Simon Robinson of Urethanes Technology International contributed to this report.