45th anniversary of Smolensk Kristall

By Dmitry Biljunas

A celebratory firework of 45 salvoes completed in Smolensk the events devoted to the 45th anniversary of OJSC Kristall Production Corporation.
The Smolensk factory Kristall is a forefather of the domestic diamond-processing industry and Russia’s major diamond exporter.
On May 22, representatives of the diamond industry gathered in Smolensk to celebrate the anniversary of the factory. Among them were the heads of the industry’s leading companies: suppliers, clients and partners of the enterprise, representatives of the state ministries and departments. In his welcoming speech, Alexey Kudrin, vice-president of the RF Government and Finance Minister, marked Smolensk masters’ talent, top quality of diamonds, which are highly appreciated all over the world.
 
According to the presidential Decree, eight workers of the factory received governmental awards. It is pleasant to note that Vladimir Putin marked the labor of workers of Kristall’ core operations, namely diamond cutters, sawyers and bruters. Sergey Antufyev, governor of the Smolensk region, delivered an eloquent speech: “People who understand diamonds and are proud of their profession work at Kristall.”
General Director of Kristall PC, president of the Russian Diamond Manufacturers Association, vice-president of the International Diamond manufacturers Association, Maxim Shkadov, said that Kristall had approached its 45th anniversary with solid results. Kristall Group’s total sales volume exceeded 0 million in 2007, a twofold increase over 2002. Smolensk masters of cut have set an ambitious task before themselves – to reach a billion level of the Group’s sales volume within the next few years.

During the celebration, former heads of the factory, including Igor Sudovsky, Alexander Shkadov, Yuri Rebrik, were cordially recollected.
“There are not so many companies in the world that can be so much proud of their production, as Smolensk Kristall. Its goods are known all over the world; the entire planet knows what the Russian diamond is. Winning such recognition requires maximum feedback and the whole life.
“Kristall is the main thing that has been in my life and that has remained in it. I am so glad that I was taken to Kristall, worked there for 30 years, grew there, that I with my grandsons to respect Kristall and its collective, as pure as a diamond,” said Yuri Rebrik, General Director of Kristall PC in 1998-2005.
It is symbolic that in honour of the 45th anniversary of the factory, Kristall produced a 45.45-carat diamond with 81 facets, the most expensive diamond in the history of the enterprise.

 The working biography of the factory has become common for several generations of Smolensk inhabitants, who have made a huge contribution to its development. Victor Petrov, who started working at the factory in February 16, 1967, was recognized as a number one cutter. Totally he has made 44,570 carats. The well-known cutter was rewarded with a new car, keys to which were solemnly presented to him.
“I am happy that fate brought us together,” addressed Petrov to his colleagues. “The factory has been lucky to have such top managers, and I am sincerely grateful for such high estimation of my work.”
At a solemn meeting, workers of the enterprise were rewarded with well-deserved awards for a many years’ and honest work.