Machine building has become one of the most dynamically developing sectors

Companies in this sector operate in a variety of fields—from the automotive industry to railways. At the same time, their products are in demand both in Kazakhstan and abroad. Meiram Pshembaev, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Kazakhstan Machinery Industry, spoke to “Kazakhstan Pravda” about the prospects and strategic role of mechanical engineering.

– Meiram Kudaybergenovich, how do you assess the current state of Kazakhstan’s mechanical engineering sector? What key achievements can be highlighted in recent years?

– Thanks to consistent state policy and the personal support of the President, machine building remains a key sector of the country’s industrial development, accounting for about 20 percent of the manufacturing industry. At the instruction of the Head of State, a Comprehensive Plan for the Development of the Industry for 2024–2028 has been approved. The goals are as follows: a 2.2-fold increase in the physical volume of production and a 4.5-fold increase in gross value added.

Based on the results of the first six months of 2025, the industry demonstrated 11.1 percent growth. The main drivers are electrical engineering (+21.5 percent), railway (+7.1 percent), agricultural (+1.3 percent) machinery manufacturing, and automotive manufacturing (+12.1 percent).

However, alongside this growth, the machinery manufacturing sector faces a number of challenges. Many enterprises depend on imported components and parts; the localization rate in certain segments is only 20–30 percent. The problem of a labor shortage is acute: there is a lack of workers and engineering and technical specialists. Equipment modernization is required. Automation of metalworking is being implemented on a piecemeal basis.

Particular attention must be paid to the oil and gas, mining and metallurgical, and power engineering sectors. Despite existing domestic capabilities, the majority of products are imported. Supporting these sectors can create potential for industry growth and the establishment of new production facilities.

– What government support measures are most in demand today for machine-building enterprises?

– Support measures such as off-take contracts, which guarantee product sales and allow enterprises to plan production; domestic value-added development programs; access to domestic raw materials and supplies, which would reduce dependence on imports and make products more competitive; financing for the modernization of machine-building plants; and systematic efforts to train engineering personnel. The Head of State has issued directives on all these issues, which the Government is currently implementing in stages.

– To what extent are machine builders actively adopting modern technologies?

– Large enterprises are installing automated lines and robotic systems, while medium-sized businesses are moving more slowly.

 Among the successful examples, I would mention the ZIKSTO plant in Petropavlovsk, where IGM robots ensure the production of up to three thousand railcars per year. “Prommashkomplekt” uses online monitoring of the railway wheel production cycle. At the Almaty Fan Plant, robotization has increased productivity by 60 percent. At JSC “KELET,” a robotic welding complex and a painting line have been implemented. At the Astana Motors and KIA automobile plants, industrial robots perform welding, painting, and body assembly.

However, the robotization density in Kazakhstan is only nine robots per 10,000 workers, compared to a global average of 162. To boost productivity, a state program is needed to develop and implement industrial robotic systems, which can increase labor productivity and reduce labor shortages.

– What role do you see for the domestic machine-building industry in the implementation of major infrastructure and industrial projects?

– The President’s directives, outlined in the Address, are creating long-term demand for machine-building products. The level of infrastructure deterioration across the country has reached a critical point and requires large-scale modernization, and it is domestic machine building that must become a key partner in this area.

Kazakhstani enterprises already manufacture transformers, pumps, valves, cable and wire products, locomotives, railcars, and agricultural machinery, and are ready to expand their product range for the energy and housing and utilities sectors.

We propose ensuring long-term planning, early notification of manufacturers regarding needs, as well as mandatory localization for foreign project participants.

– What would you like to wish your colleagues and all industry workers on the upcoming Day of Machine Builders of Kazakhstan?

– I would like to express my gratitude to all industry workers, as their labor is the foundation of the republic’s industrial development. I wish you health, prosperity, and confidence in the future. May enterprises thrive and projects be successfully implemented!

Source: kazpravda.kz