A hosiery factory from Rubizhny, which relocated to Lviv with the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, became operational in the city. The Lviv City Council helped to find premises that meet production requirements for the company.
Olga Ushakova, the commercial director of the Rubizhan hosiery factory, shared the story of the restoration of the case “from scratch” in Lviv during the war. He says that part of the production was planned to be moved here until February 24, but they did not have time.
“The shelling of Rubizhny began on the first day – February 24. Therefore, we decided to stop production in telephone mode so as not to expose people to danger. Since that day, we have not been in production. We thought that it would somehow subside, and we would be able to pick up the equipment and take it out. But, unfortunately, we did not take anything from Rubizhny. As early as March, there were attacks, hits, and fires at the factory. The second floor was completely destroyed, and the products were looted.
So, now here we start “from scratch”. The most important thing that we have preserved is part of the team that is now resuming production here,” says Olga.
Thus, before the full-scale invasion of Russia, 162 people worked at the enterprise in Rubizhny. Instead, only a part of the workers – 15 families – moved to Lviv.
“Our main partner Dodo Socks works in Lviv. Apparently, it was because of their support and help that we found strength and started the recovery process. It’s hard to get started. We need to buy all the equipment, assemble a team and train new employees. For example, we lack workers in the knitting shop. It’s a difficult process, but the support from our partners is great, so we’re moving.
At the beginning of October, we received and started installing knitting equipment,” says the commercial director of the Rubizhan hosiery factory.
The Lviv City Council helped the company search for premises. In general, since February 24, 2022, according to Andrii Pavliv, head of the LMR Investments and Projects Department, the city has received and processed more than 110 requests from businesses regarding relocation. In particular, we are talking about such industries as: light, food industry, technical production, etc.
Currently, the hosiery factory is already receiving new orders and is looking for specialists from Lviv to join its team.
“If people, having been subjected to serious bombings, still have the courage to continue working, moving to safe places or cities, then this is a great respect. It is important for the economy to work, for people to have jobs, so Lviv is open to all businesses that want to continue their lives here and stay in Ukraine,” Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy emphasized.
By the way, the city temporarily provided a dormitory for factory workers at 28 Pulyuya Street, which the public organization “Building Ukraine Together – BUR” agreed to renovate and make comfortable for people. Yes, the fourth week of repair work with the involvement of volunteers is currently underway. Everyone is invited to join. Local coordinator – Roman Shpielyk: +380989254626.