In 2016, the region was primarily known as an agricultural and mining area of the country. Mechanical engineering was already present, but it did not define the region’s economy. Over time, the situation has changed fundamentally

OVERVIEW

According to the Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development of the Kostanay Region, the machine-building sector accounts for 56.3% of the region’s manufacturing industry. Most of the major market players are located in Kostanay.

In 2016, the regional center produced vehicles from brands such as SsangYong Nomad, Hyundai, Toyota, Geely, Peugeot, JAC, Ravon, Chevrolet, Renault, UAZ, LADA, and Hongqi.

Today, production of JAC, Chevrolet, Geely, KIA, Skoda, and Jetour vehicles is underway. According to the Department of Entrepreneurship, the presence of certain brands is influenced by many factors. For example, consumer demand, market conditions, the geopolitical situation, and the conclusion of agreements with brand owners.

A total of 491,404 vehicles were produced in Kostanay from 2016 to 2026. Exports were made to Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus.

The production of passenger and commercial vehicles was carried out by SaryarkaAvtoProm LLP. It should be noted that the Kostanay region is an agricultural region. Agricultural self-propelled and towed equipment was manufactured by AgromashHolding KZ JSC, Kostanay Tractor Plant LLP, MTZ-Kazakhstan Machine-Building Plant LLP, NPF Pruzhina LLP, and KamLit KZ LLP.

– As part of agreements on the industrial assembly of vehicles, enterprises are working to deepen localization and encourage the transition from major-component to small-component assembly, – the Department of Entrepreneurship reported.

WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE 2016?

The Department of Entrepreneurship reported that, according to statistics, there are 48 enterprises operating in the machine-building sector in the Kostanay Region. This includes the production of machinery and equipment, automobiles, trailers, and semi-trailers.

The companies having the greatest impact on the region’s socio-economic development remain SaryarkaAvtoProm LLP, AgromashHolding KZ JSC, and those that began operations after 2016—MTZ-Kazakhstan Machine-Building Plant LLP, Kostanay Tractor Plant LLP, “NPF Pruzhina” LLP, KIA Qazaqstan LLP, TEHNOPARK KZ LLP, and KamLit KZ LLP.

PERSONNEL TRAINING

According to the Department of Social Development of the Kostanay Region, Kostanay Regional University named after A. Baitursynuly, Kostanay Social and Technical University named after Z. Aldamzhar, and Kostanay Engineering and Economic University named after M. Dulatov actively collaborate with machine-building companies.

University students undergo internships at manufacturing facilities and receive dual education. University departments operate on the premises of the factories.

The Department of Education of the Kostanay Region reported that colleges in the region are also actively training personnel for the machine-building industry.

“Currently, the region’s system for training specialists is based on new innovative technologies,” comments Anna Lazareva, press secretary of the Department of Education. “This involves a transition to a model of proactive workforce development, dual education, targeted training, academic autonomy, and other approaches.” The vocational and technical education system consists of 33 colleges with a student body of approximately 22,000 students.

Since 2021, seven specializations in the mechanical engineering sector have been introduced at the region’s colleges: mechanical engineering technology; automation and control; operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment; ferrous metallurgy; and turning.

In 2025, memorandums of cooperation were signed between KIA Qazaqstan LLP and three colleges in the region. Today, approximately 50 people are being trained in this field at the KIA plant, and 40 graduates are employed there.

– For KamLit KZ LLP, six new specializations were launched at the Kostanay Higher College of Automotive Transport. The first graduating class in 2024 consisted of 96 students, with a 94% employment rate. In 2025, 104 graduates found employment, according to the Department of Education.

Source: regtv.k