Russian paper major Ilim Group identifies 5 priority regions in the Chinese market
(Russia, 2 March 2017) On March 2, Ilim Group held an off-site business conference on future operations in the Chinese market in Xiamen. Over 370 delegates from partner companies took part in the event. The key topics discussed included priority regions for sales development and projected product sales volumes.
China is a strategic sales market for Ilim Group. In 2016, the company produced 3.2 million tons of products, of which 1.4 million tons were destined for the Chinese market.
The company anticipates a steady rise in demand for Ilim Group products in China due to increasing hygienic and sanitary paper and pulp production and the expanding packing paper segment in five key regions: Baoding, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Shandong and Henan. Ilim Group also expects export sales in China to exceed 1.9 million tons.
Pulp consumption in China is forecasted to rise to 38 million tons by 2020. To satisfy this demand, Ilim Group plans to implement an investment project to further develop its production facilities in Bratsk and Ust-Ilimsk. The suggested investment amounts to 53 billion roubles. Implementing this project will enable Ilim Group to increase its total annual pulp and paper production volumes by over 500,000 tons. In addition, the construction of a new pulp production unit in Ust-Ilimsk is also being considered.
During the conference, it was noted that the company will pay particular attention not only to increasing products sales volumes, but also to developing logistics infrastructure to facilitate sales via sea and river routes in the country’s south.
“A key priority for the company is promoting a customer-oriented approach, growth and development. Ilim has a competitive advantage and 20 years of experience in the Chinese market. We have created a unique sales system for the Chinese market, which we are continually developing. We have also built a strong partnership with our long-standing clients in this market. All these factors enable us to maintain our position as a leading exporter of softwood pulp, known for its efficient and consistent sales practices. All products delivered as the result of this investment project will meet the high quality standards set by the world’s leading producers. We systematically monitor our products to make sure they meet the requirements of the Chinese market. The key to Ilim Group’s success in the Chinese market is our ability to listen and respond to our clients changing plans and needs,” said Ksenia Sosnina, CEO of Ilim Group. (Source: Ilim Group)
