The most important task facing our country right now is economic diversification. This issue has been raised many times by the President. In other words, the country's potential must not be limited to just the production of “black gold.”

 And Atyrau, known as the oil capital of the country, should not become just a “commuter town” for work and earning a living, reports AtyrauPress correspondent.

With this in mind, the local company Teksol launched the Atyrtau Wagon Manufacturing Plant, an enterprise unprecedented in the region. So, we too took a tour of the company's key facilities to see with our own eyes the significant contribution this enterprise is making to the country's machinery manufacturing sector...

First, let us explain how the machine-building industry affects the national economy. If we look at the world's developed countries, it is a key sector of their manufacturing industries. Our country also has great potential to reach that level. This is also acknowledged by Talgat Bazarbekov, the director of the executive directorate of the Association of Kazakhstan Machinery Industry. According to him, over the last decade, the machine-building industry in our country has been on a fast track of development, and production volume has increased eight and a half times. This means it is an industry with great future potential.

"Today, more than 5,000 enterprises in Kazakhstan are engaged in machine building. Thus, this sector's share in the country's processing industry is 20 percent. Exactly ten years ago, the production volume was just over half a trillion tenge, while now this figure is approaching 6 trillion tenge. Our products are being exported to many countries, with more than half of them going to Russia. These include electronics, electrical engineering, household appliances, agricultural and railway machinery, pumps, compressors, fittings, pipeline equipment, and others. Ultimately, all of this, in addition to exports, is creating ample opportunities for import substitution," says T. Bazarbekov.

It should be noted that today, the Association of Kazakhstan Machinery Industry brings together nearly 700 machine-building enterprises. It is supported by the country's Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Trade and Integration, and “Atameken” The National Chamber of Entrepreneurs accredited. The Association has 17 regional representatives across the country. The main goal is to support and develop the domestic machinery industry and to unite domestic machinery enterprises.

 The main mission is to achieve a competitive and export-oriented level for domestic machine building.

One Hundred Freight Cars

Now, let's move on to our main topic...

The Atyrtau Wagon Assembly Plant LLC, part of the TEXOL group of companies, only last year took a significant step in its industrial development. Specifically, the hundredth freight car rolled off the assembly line since the plant's launch. The plant is scheduled to reach full capacity in 2027. At that time, the enterprise aims to produce 7-8 thousand wagons per year and expand its production area to 62,000 square meters.

"I consider this a significant historical moment not only for the region but for the entire republic. This plant is a strategic facility that will provide momentum for attracting investment and developing the industrial zone. Its launch will boost our region's economic potential and create new jobs. The Atyrau Wagon Assembly Plant is one of the largest manufacturing enterprises in Central Asia. “In the near future, we plan to open several more plants. This is just the beginning. I am confident we will meet again when the thousandth wagon is produced,” says Daniar Orynbasarov, head of the regional Department of Entrepreneurship and Industry, in an interview with us.

Currently, about 300 people work at the plant. By the end of the year, more than 600 specialists from various fields are set to join them. According to department representatives, the number will reach 2,700 by 2027.

What does the regional leader say?

We asked the governor of the region, Serik Shaikenov, “How will the machine-building industry develop in a region that is typically known only for its ‘black gold’ production?”

“We need to use the opportunities we have to develop other sectors of the economy. In particular, the development of the machine-building industry is very important. This will be the most effective way to diversify the economy.” In general, it's well-known that Atyrau is the locomotive of the national economy. It is considered the main industrial region for our country. In fact, a large portion of the investment flowing into our country is directed to this region. We are a region that has established strong ties in the machinery manufacturing sector with neighboring Russia, and then with China. We have attracted investors from them and created a special industrial zone from local enterprises. Thus, we are implementing joint projects with countries that have extensive experience. In this regard, the administration is doing its part. First and foremost, our primary task is to create decent conditions for the ordinary worker. We always monitor the protection of workers' rights and the timely payment of wages. As a result, our region is now among the leaders in the country in terms of average salary.

As for the “TEKHOL” company in the region, this enterprise not only supplies our republic with rail cars but also oversees important facilities that provide auxiliary services. In the future, the company's share of supplying the country with rail cars is expected to reach 96 percent. Of course, the company is not limited to just its production plan. It has already distinguished itself in the area of social and environmental responsibility through its cooperation with local executive authorities, says the regional head.

Replacing humans with robots...

Indeed, the Atyrau region is undeniably the heart of the country's economy. It leads the republic in its contribution to the gross domestic product. The lifeline of oil and gas also begins here.

 Sixty percent of the country's “black gold” production also belongs to the “oil capital.” Thus, the region, which has not lost its strategic importance since the 20th century, is still effectively using its transport and logistics potential and developing it further. Its geographical location has also turned the region into a transit hub for the Caspian region. Seizing this opportunity, the company “TEKHOL” also took up the logistics issue thirty years ago.

 And in today's amazing age of technology, robots are performing some of the work at the enterprises belonging to this institution. How wonderful!

"The Head of State constantly speaks about developing innovations and increasing the level of human capital. Why do you think that is?

 Because this, in turn, will help attract foreign investors and establish effective partnerships. And the oil tank cleaning robot developed by the engineers at the ‘TEKHOL’ company is a 100 percent innovative product of Kazakhstan! In fact, this robot has captured the attention of countries all over the world. Generally speaking, the purpose of this robot is, first and foremost, to ensure worker safety. During ongoing repairs, the inside of the reservoir must be cleaned of oil and gas residue. And this is one of the most dangerous processes. Now, this work can be done with the help of a robot. “In any case, in the machinery manufacturing industry, the health and lives of workers are the top priority,” says Ashat Dorbiyev, a master of oil tank cleaning here.

The first educational institution is to be opened

The company's management does not hide that when they took up wagon assembly, they were faced with a shortage of qualified specialists. Therefore, they are now considering opening their own educational institution to train the specialists needed for production. This, in turn, will pave the way to work independently without having to request personnel from outside sources.

"It is undeniable that the rapid development of any enterprise depends on quality personnel.

 In this regard, we are also coordinating with local educational institutions and have signed agreements with several colleges. If our plan is realized, special faculties and departments for the professions needed in the machine-building industry will be opened at the respective educational institutions. For now, however, such majors are not part of the local curriculum. Currently, only the welding specialty is offered. But we need specialists who can master the complex technology required to set up machines and equipment. “This is why we also plan to open our own educational institution in the future to fill this gap,” says Boris Ziganшин, General Director of Teksol Trans LLC.

In this regard, we also asked the Atyrau-based scientist, Doctor of Technical Sciences Beket Kenjeagulov, for his opinion on the shortage of personnel. In his view, it is possible to train future specialists for the machine-building industry locally, but only...

“The low interest of young people in skilled worker and engineering professions is one of the most pressing issues in the machinery manufacturing sector,” he says. “To solve this problem, it is crucial to adapt the education system to the specific demands of the labor market.” Currently, a number of systematic steps are being taken in this direction. For example, special attention is being paid to training students in line with industry requirements at the Khaleel Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University. The goal is to develop the professional competence of future engineers from an early stage by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Today, the curricula are highly practice-oriented. Students are trained to solve real-world engineering problems through laboratory work, project assignments, and scientific research. This allows them to enter the job market as ready professionals.

The university systematically develops modern scientific laboratories and educational-production centers. Specifically, specialized laboratories operate in the fields of robotics, mechatronics, and digital technologies. This paves the way for students to work with next-generation technologies. Currently, we are prioritizing the modernization of engineering education programs. The laboratory base allows students to master robotic systems and work with elements of digital manufacturing. This, in turn, lays the foundation for preparing specialists in new areas such as 3D printing and industrial robot control. Industrial internships play a crucial role in students' professional development. Therefore, strengthening the link between the university and industry is one of the main priorities.

 During internships, students participate in real production processes and test their knowledge in practice. This helps them define their professional path and adapt to the demands of employers.

To address the industry's talent shortage, systematic measures are necessary.

 First and foremost, it is important to widely implement a dual education system, open engineering centers for new technologies, and ensure the active participation of enterprises in the educational process. To eliminate the shortage of qualified personnel in the machinery manufacturing industry, the link between education and production must be strengthened. Universities and enterprises must work together to focus on training in-demand specialists. This will not only solve the personnel issue but also give a boost to the industry's overall development. The industry's development depends, first and foremost, on professionals with practical experience. In this regard, the role of personnel who have been honed in production and have gained practical experience is particularly important. Currently, the machinery manufacturing sector in Kazakhstan is gradually undergoing a transition from simple assembly to full-cycle production. In the coming years, around 2030–2035, domestic enterprises have the potential to become part of international supply chains for the production of civil and special equipment. For this, we need highly qualified engineering personnel and modern technologies.

There are only two female welders in the country.

People might typically think that only men work in the machinery industry. But this is a misconception. That's because we also have plenty of women who handle heavy machinery with the finesse of a woman's touch.

 However, there are only two women welders in the country. One lives in Kyzylorda, and the other in Atyrau. The latter is Mairamgul Aidaraliyeva, a first-class welder at the Atyrau Wagon Manufacturing Plant.

"I have been working in the machine-building industry for over seven years. I really enjoy this job. My father was a welder his whole life, too. As I grew up, I decided to follow in his footsteps. Our company manufactures rail cars for transporting various cargo. Our next goal is to produce seven thousand cars a year. In general, what I've noticed is that young people today don't want to just take the easy way out like they used to. Most of them want to avoid manual labor and get a management position instead. They base their choice of profession on that. And if they can't find such a position, they sit on their parents' necks, using “there's no work” as an excuse. To people like that, I want to offer my advice through your site: if you choose your future profession because you love it, you will do that work with all your heart and soul. But if you're only thinking about making a lot of money and doing something your heart isn't in, all your time will be wasted. Income may be low today and high tomorrow, or vice versa. But work should never stop. There is work and everything else for anyone who is willing to work. That's why I also train the young professionals who follow in my footsteps in this direction," says our subject, who operates a machine with one hand while rocking her baby's cradle with the other.

Strategic Facilities

“AtyrauWDSh” LLC, part of the “TEKHOL” company, is a facility that assembles wheels for all types of train cars.

 Yersultan Zhamalashev, the head engineer of the local workshop, says that much of the work is fully automated. Interestingly, a single wheel can last for more than half a century.

"I started my career here. I rose from a simple welder and technician to the head of a department and a workshop. All of it is the sweet fruit of the hard work I poured into this job day and night. As you can see, you can find a wheel made back in the nineties here, as well as one from 2010. It's all about quality. All the work is done on a conveyor system. Each operation has its own set time. The work proceeds in cycles: Each cycle lasts 5 hours. During that time, 15 pairs of wheels are produced. The production capacity is 28 pairs of wheels per day. This means we can repair seven wagons and return them to the mainline network. “I really love this job. Especially when the President declared 2025 the Year of the Worker last year, I was filled with pride and joy,” he says enthusiastically.

Similarly, in the Zhanyoi district, the “RipGAZ” LLC, which repairs and tests wagons, operates. It also belongs to the “TEKHOL” company. This is an enterprise specializing in the technical maintenance and repair of boilers on railway tank cars.

I started working here in 2009, so I know very well the great responsibility that comes with monitoring the tank cars that hold liquefied gas, regulating their pressure, and delivering them to their designated destinations. However, the digital technologies that have emerged recently have made my job significantly easier. Now we work with tablets. All the information about the cars is right there. We don't carry around stacks of paper like we used to. These cars go everywhere. ‘Neighboring Russia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Poland, Finland—the list goes on,’ says Tarlan Karzhauov, a local locksmith-repairman.

"Let's be honest, the state is doing everything it can to make the transport and logistics sector the main driving force of the economy. The President himself emphasized this when he awarded the industry's professionals on their professional holiday last year.

"Currently, the share of the machine-building industry in Kazakhstan has grown from 13 to 19 percent, its total volume has reached 4.1 million, and its export volume is also increasing. New companies are now coming into the country to supply agricultural machinery. This year, we have extensive plans to develop the machinery industry. This is the result of our fruitful labor. Increasing the volume of machinery production and applying advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, is our primary goal. Also, creating the necessary working conditions for employees is of utmost importance. In the current global changes and crisis situations, new opportunities are opening up. The machinery manufacturing industry is ready to contribute to the dynamic development of Kazakhstan," said Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly.

A Timely Interview

In closing, we would like to present our interview with Shota Abkhazava, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the “TEKHOL” company...– Machinery manufacturing is not an easy industry. How difficult is it to make a profit from it?

– Yes, you're right. But then again, no job is easy. I want to raise young people to be proud of being hardworking.

 As management, we want our workers to be well-compensated and have decent working conditions. We're committed to that. But above all, every worker should be proud of their work. If you think about it, taking a piece of lifeless metal lying around and turning it into a wagon that transports various products—what a truly beneficial industry that is for our country!

We once chose the transportation of liquefied gas as our main focus. Now, we have truly become one of the fastest-growing companies in the liquefied gas transportation sector! But, in reality, this is the most complex form of transportation. That's why we have focused all our efforts on this area. In turn, this requires high-level technical expertise, strict technical discipline, and various technological solutions. Today, we are constantly improving our processes, working with new models of cars for transporting liquefied gas, and optimizing many challenges.

 We are already a leader in this field and have established the industry standard for liquefied gas transportation.

– How did the business start?

– Our work has always revolved around transportation and logistics: rail transport and the delivery of petroleum products.

 The first opportunity to sign a contract with TSO came in 1995. It was a major contract for transporting crude oil from a field that was just beginning to develop. Essentially, this was the nascent stage of our company. Later, we began purchasing our own tank cars. Transport with semi-open wagons was launched.

Starting in 2000, we became a major transportation company in the region. Around 2019, we acquired large, dilapidated infrastructure facilities. One of them is the largest wagon repair depot in the country. The Akzhayik-7 wagon repair depot, which began operations back in 1939, is one of the oldest and largest facilities not only in the region but in the entire country. The facility, capable of servicing 9,000 rail cars a year for all types of repairs, primarily works on cars that transport oil and gas.

– How do you feel about social and ecological responsibility?

– As a local resident, I can't help but be concerned about the air in Atyrau. The ecological consequences are a problem for all of us. For example, there are quite a few children in the region who are born with certain special needs.

 We see them not as a disability, but as a special quality. We try to help them reintegrate into society and live a full life. Yes, they will always remain special. But they can also be happy and live without worry, just like everyone else. I believe that every entrepreneur should take it upon themselves to solve such problems. Because this is not a responsibility to the tax authorities or officials, but first and foremost, a responsibility to one's own conscience.

The people of Atyrau deserve to breathe fresh air and live a quality life. So why not create conditions for many people to come here, settle down, and migrate from other regions? Why should the oil capital remain just a company town? No, I disagree with that. This is a region with its own rich heritage of culture and traditions, its own literature and art, its own immortal legacy and deep history. I love it very much, too. That's why I believe that with increased support from the country's leadership, we can make the local situation much better and bring about great changes!

By the way, in the Balykshy district, which is well-known to the residents of Atyrau, there is a basketball court that was built with our sponsorship. The goal is to develop mass sports and strengthen social unity. Today, the city's youth come there to actively engage in sports. This is also a clear manifestation of the region's business community deeply feeling its responsibility to society. We have plenty of such examples.

Source: atpress.kz