The new 1bn rouble (£17m) plant will be used for local manufacture of Tensar’s range of geogrids including the patented TriAx, whose uses include stabilising road construction over soft soils.
Tensar, whose UK operation is located in Blackburn, Lancashire, is aiming for a majority share of the geogrid market in the region within its first year, with the plant able to produce 3,000t per year at full capacity.
The new plant is intended to better service demand for Tensar’s products, which have been popular with specifiers in Russia and Central Asia for over 15 years. Large quantities of Tensar’s geogrid products were used to construct roads over difficult ground in preparation for the Sochi Olympics.
The Princess Royal was welcomed by a delegation including the Governor of St Petersburg, Georgy Poltavchenko and Tensar Corporation’s president and chief executive officer, Don Meltzer. Following the visit Meltzer said: “We are delighted to have been able to welcome HRH Princess Anne to open our new St Petersburg site. The new plant enables us to have a truly global offering, and allows the growing construction and infrastructure sectors in Russia to take advantage our technology and expertise with a team on the ground – making it a mutually beneficial move for all parties involved.”
Tensar is the majority shareholder in the joint venture behind the new plant, with remaining investment coming from Russian partners.
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