On March 12, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the opening ceremony of a new important facility in the Bäherden etrap of the Akhal velayat – the "Bäherden" ceramic products plant.
In the era of the Renaissance of the new epoch of a mighty state under the leadership of the head of Turkmenistan, large-scale work initiated by Hero-Arkadag is successfully being carried out in the innovative development and diversification of the country's construction and industrial complex. Special emphasis is placed on improving the competitiveness of produced goods, expanding their range, and strengthening the production and scientific-technical base of the construction industry.
In accordance with the national strategy for the industrialization of the country and the production of import-substituting products, great attention is paid to ensuring the domestic market with building materials produced from local raw materials. In order to strengthen the material and technical base of the industry, build new enterprises, and steadily increase the capacities of existing production facilities, huge investments are being made in the construction industry.
Another confirmation of the successful implementation of the tasks set in this direction was the commissioning of the second stages of the "Lebap" and "Bäherden" cement plants in the Köytendag and Bäherden etraps of the Lebap and Akhal velayats, respectively, with a capacity of 1 million tons of production per year.
Currently, geological surveys are actively being carried out in the country to identify new natural resource deposits. The results of this work directly contribute to the expansion of production capacities, the increase in the volume of high-quality building materials, which are in high demand both domestically and abroad.
… In the morning, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived by helicopter at a special platform near the new modern production facility and proceeded to the venue for the celebration.
Among the participants of this significant event were the Chairman of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and sectoral departments, the khyakim of the Akhal velayat, as well as representatives of the media and public.
The participants of the ceremony warmly greeted Arkadagly Hero Serdar.
The festive atmosphere was created by song and musical performances by artists.
The head of state entered the conference hall, specially arranged for the occasion.
Speaking here, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sincerely congratulated the participants of the opening ceremony of the "Bäherden" ceramic products plant in the Bäherden etrap of the Akhal velayat on the commissioning of this modern facility, marking the successful days of the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The head of state noted that comprehensive work is successfully being carried out to strengthen the economic power of the sovereign Motherland and further improve the welfare of the people based on the "Revival of the New Era of a Mighty State: National Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022-2052" and the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country in 2022-2028. Special attention is paid to the development of all sectors of the national economy, including the industrial sector and construction production.
Modern social and cultural buildings, powerful industrial enterprises, new villages, and cities are being built across the country. The construction of the second stage of the city of Arkadag – the first "smart" city in Turkmenistan – is also successfully continuing.
These grand construction projects, being implemented in the independent country, are aimed at ensuring the prosperous and happy life of the native people.
The buildings and structures put into operation contribute to the steady development of the national economy, the industrialization of the country, and the harmonious development of regions.
The industrial sector and construction industry provide a great impetus for the socio-economic development of the independent Motherland, ensuring the high-quality building materials needed for construction sites and the population. We will continue to develop the industrial and construction sector in accordance with the adopted programs, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized.
The head of state particularly stressed that significant work is currently being carried out in the domestic industrial and construction complex. Specifically, new modern villages are being built in the "Öňaldy" and "Gowşut" village councils of the Ak Bugday etrap and Kaakhkin etrap of the Akhal velayat. Additionally, this year, a new workshop for the production of 100 tons of glass products per day will be commissioned in the Geoktepe etrap of the Akhal velayat.
The President of Turkmenistan noted that, in accordance with the state programs adopted in the country, great attention is paid to the consistent development of the industrial sector and construction production, as well as ensuring the competitiveness of construction materials produced by enterprises.
Particular importance is given to the efficient utilization of investment funds allocated by the state for the development of the construction industry and the expansion of production capacities of enterprises.
New industrial enterprises equipped with innovative technologies are constantly being built, producing goods that meet global standards using local raw materials. These products are in high demand both domestically and internationally, the head of state continued, emphasizing that a vivid confirmation of these efforts is today’s ceremonial commissioning of the “Bäherden” ceramic products plant.
The construction of the new plant was carried out at the request of the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan by the individual enterprise “Eziz doganlar,” a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan.
This modern enterprise will ensure the uninterrupted supply of high-quality construction products for ongoing projects in the country and the population.
Designed to produce 3.3 million square meters of decorative ceramic tiles and 120,000 units of sanitary ceramics annually, the facility is equipped with machinery from leading countries worldwide.
This will ensure a high level of production organization and the manufacture of high-quality products based on advanced innovative technologies that fully comply with international standards.
Noting that the enterprise consists of several buildings and workshops, where all necessary production and living conditions have been created for approximately 460 employees, the head of state expressed firm confidence that the industrialists of the independent, permanently neutral homeland will continue to work diligently to transform our country into a developed state and make a worthy contribution to strengthening the economic power of Turkmenistan.
Once again, sincerely congratulating the ceremony participants, industrial workers, construction industry professionals, and residents of the Akhal velayat on the commissioning of this important facility, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished everyone good health, a peaceful and happy life, and great success in their work.
A video about the operations of the "Bäherden" ceramic products plant was shown on a monitor installed at the venue.
Then, the floor was given to Michele Pulpito, a representative of the Italian company “SACMI Imola Societa Cooperativa.”
Sincerely congratulating the President of Turkmenistan and those gathered on the opening of the "Bäherden" ceramic products plant, the company representative emphasized that the new factory is the first of its kind in Turkmenistan and one of the largest and most modern enterprises in the world producing such products.
As noted, this facility is capable of producing 3.3 million square meters of decorative tiles and over 120,000 units of sanitary ceramics per year.
Taking this opportunity, the guest expressed deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his efforts in further developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and Italy, wishing success in his large-scale work for the benefit of the Turkmen people.
Amid the applause of the ceremony participants, a certificate from “SACMI Imola Societa Cooperativa” was presented to the Minister of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan, confirming that the "Bäherden" ceramic products plant is equipped with high-tech equipment and that all engineering works and installed machinery fully comply with international standards in Europe. Additionally, a certificate from the Italian company “Associazione Costruttori Italiani Macchine Attrezzature per Ceramica” was awarded, confirming that this production facility is environmentally friendly, causing no harm to the environment, and that the installed technological equipment fully meets international certification standards for quality, ecology, health, and safety.
Then, in a solemn atmosphere and under the applause of those gathered, the head of state cut the symbolic ribbon.
At this moment, colorful balloons soar into the sky.
The Head of State proceeded to the exhibition pavilion built on the factory grounds, where he familiarized himself with samples of decorative ceramic tiles and sanitary porcelain.
The industrial and construction complex rightfully plays a key role in the implementation of large-scale socio-economic development programs in the country. The widespread construction across the country has driven a growing demand for high-quality building materials, giving new momentum to the accelerated development of their production sector based on local raw materials.
The wide range of modern construction and finishing materials produced at the new enterprise vividly demonstrates how successfully Turkmenistan is addressing the tasks of modernizing the construction industry, implementing the best global practices, continuously strengthening its material and technical base, and creating new production facilities for import-substituting and export-oriented products.
As noted by a specialist, thanks to the efforts of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the "Bäherden" ceramic manufacturing enterprise is now being launched, which will provide high-quality products for large-scale construction sites as well as for the country's population.
On behalf of the factory workers, the specialist expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for creating favorable working conditions at such a modern industrial facility. He then addressed the Head of State, requesting his blessing for the new enterprise's operations.
The culmination moment arrives – with the press of a button on the control panel, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov officially launches the operations of this major industrial facility.
The video segments showcase the start of operations at the Bäherden ceramic manufacturing plant and the complex technological production process.
Here, on behalf of the industrial and construction complex workers, a beautiful Turkmen carpet was presented as a gift to the President of the country.
Next, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proceeded to the laboratory of the new enterprise, where a specialist introduced him to the established conditions.
It was noted that the new production facility is equipped with the latest machinery from the Italian company "SACMI," with production processes carried out in an automated mode.
Various types of ceramic products are manufactured here, and in the laboratory—also equipped with high-tech "SACMI" equipment—physical and chemical testing is conducted, including weight verification, moisture content, water absorption, strength, and glazing tests. Additionally, the volume of added impurities is determined.
The specialist expressed deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, for creating conditions that allow the country’s youth to work at a modern enterprise. He wished them strong health and success in their state activities for the benefit of the people.
Wishing the specialist success in his work, the President of Turkmenistan then proceeded to the ceramic and finishing tile production workshop, where he observed the technological process.
The production of decorative ceramic tiles begins with the arrival of raw materials at special receiving stations. Here, the raw material is crushed in a grinding machine to a size of 50 millimeters, and in accordance with the technical specifications of the product being manufactured, its composition is adjusted using dispensers. Next, for further grinding, the resulting mixture enters a mill operating on the "ball mill" technology. In this mill, the raw material is mixed with water in powder form to create slip, which is then transferred to special underground reservoirs and subsequently to an atomizer, where moisture is removed through heating, bringing the material to a dry powder state. The powder is then collected by special conveyors into 16 storage silos and continuously fed into the production cycle.
At the second stage of production, the prepared mixture is transported via special conveyors to the pressing workshop, where it is evenly distributed into press molds. After the molds are filled, they are pressed by a high-pressure hydraulic press with a force of 340 to 500 kilograms per square centimeter.
Next, to remove moisture from the tiles, the products are sent to a five-layer horizontal drying system. The drying process is fully automated, with the plant’s technologist controlling the temperature settings.
Tiles emerging from the dryer move on to the glazing stage. In this section, an engobe and glaze are applied to the tiles, ensuring durability and water resistance. Then, using printers, tiles are decorated according to specified requirements and preferences.
Following these processes, to maintain the tiles’ strength over time, their surface is re-glazed and fired at 1,230 degrees Celsius in a drying kiln.
The finished products are then automatically transferred to the rectification stage for polishing.
At this stage, tile edges are trimmed, ground, and brought to uniform dimensions. All rectified products are collected in temporary storage units using automated robotic conveyors. From these storage blocks, the tiles are transported by robotic systems to the polishing workshop, where production dust and shavings are removed from their surfaces.
After completing aesthetic refinements, the products proceed to the packaging line. To ensure quality, the finished goods undergo a full inspection using digital technology. A specialist confirms the product’s quality, and all information about each tile is classified before packaging. The tiles are then packed into boxes labeled with product quality, calibration, and certification details.
The use of robotic transporters and automated conveyors in all production units demonstrates that this facility is built following the latest "Industry 4.0" approach. This confirms the widespread integration of information technology, artificial intelligence, and automated processes into production.
Noting that most of the specialists working in the ceramic and finishing tile production workshop are young professionals, the President emphasized that their skillful management of high-tech equipment will contribute to the successful establishment of innovative technology-based manufacturing in the country.
The Head of State then proceeded to the sanitary ware production workshop and familiarized himself with the manufacturing process.
Sanitary ware products are made from white clay, kaolin, feldspar, and quartz raw materials. The raw materials, stored in closed warehouses, are received in designated sections and then transported via conveyors to a mill, where they are mixed, ground, and processed into slip, which is then sent to underground basins.
The finished slip is transported through pipelines to standard and mechanical casting equipment, where gypsum molds are used. After being poured into these molds under pressure, the slip takes the shape of the sanitary ware product. After undergoing the necessary processes, the product is transferred to a specialized department.
In addition to conventional casting, the production of sanitary ware also involves mechanical casting equipment, in which slip is injected into production molds under high pressure. This method is designed for manufacturing sanitary ware in large volumes. The products are then automatically dried in drying chambers.
Once out of the dryer, the items undergo cleaning and inspection by specialists. Products that pass the inspection are prepared for glazing. The finished items are glazed to enhance their aesthetic appeal, water resistance, and hygienic properties. Glazing is performed according to the type of each product.
The glazed products are placed on kiln carts in a special area. Once loaded into the kiln, the carts are heated to 1,200 degrees Celsius, which hardens the enamel and dries the product.
Proper kiln treatment ensures the beauty and durability of the final products, making them resistant to external influences.
After exiting the kiln, the products undergo quality control and are packaged in accordance with established standards and requirements.
Leaving the sanitary ware production workshop, the Head of State handed over the keys to new vehicles and specialized equipment to the head of the Bäherden ceramic products enterprise.
Expressing, on behalf of the enterprise’s workers, deep gratitude to Arkadagly Hero Serdar for the construction of a modern production facility and for the valuable gifts, the enterprise's leader wished the Head of State, as well as the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, good health, a long and happy life, and success in their state activities for the benefit of the country and its people.
The commissioning of this modern production facility, covering 30 hectares and equipped with innovative robotic and automated technologies, as well as equipment from leading global manufacturers, serves as clear evidence of the ongoing successful efforts to provide the construction sector in our country with high-quality building materials based on the rich natural resources of Turkmenistan.
Warmly bidding farewell to the ceremony participants, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proceeded to the helicopter landing site and departed for Ashgabat.
Thus, today's event, held during the International Year of Peace and Trust and marking the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality, stands as yet another testament to the successful implementation, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, of large-scale reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, aimed at the further dynamic development of the national economy’s sectors.
Source: State Information Agency of Turkmenistan**
