ERWIN JUNKER launches into Russian aerospace industry. Russia’s first nanotech manufacturing plant has placed its trust in German technology.

The country’s first nanotech plant has now begun production in Rybinsk, about 80 km north of Yaroslavl.   The plant produces solid carbide tooling with a multi-layer nano-coating.   Among those who attended the official opening were Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov and leader of the state corporation Rosnano, Anatoly Chubais, as well as the heads of Russia’s major banks.

Even Russia’s incumbent Prime Minister, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, showed up for the occasion and had the highlights of the Junker Company’s technology explained to him in detail.

The new 6,000 m² plant was built on the premises of engine manufacturer “Saturn.”   The carbide drilling and milling tools it produces are qualitatively and technologically unmatched in Russia and will be used in the aerospace industry, among others. According to the manufacturer, production is expected to increase fourfold over the next few years. 

With the demand for higher precision, the management of the Russian firm decided on a high-speed grinding machine from Erwin Junker Maschinenfabrik GmbH.   What convinced them, aside from Junker’s leading-edge technology, was the company’s general expertise in the tooling industry. 

NIR’s newly acquired QUICKPOINT 3000 Blank grinds tool blanks from carbide rods in a single clamping.
Junker prevailed against tough competition on the European engineering market.

“This is an important key project for our company,” says Management.   The entire project has been carried out under the observation of the Russian government; major expansion is in the works if production develops positively.

“This is a significant reference that will open other doors for us in the automotive and tooling industries,” expects Junker.

The technology behind the nano-coated tooling was developed by the Kurchatov Institute.   Deputy Director of the institute, Yaroslav Strombach, spoke of a truly unique product.

This project was initiated in late 2007 and early 2008 by NPO Saturn.   By September 2008, the Rosnano board of directors had already decided to invest 499.8 million rubles in the effort.   As a result, 49.98% of the company’s stock is held by Rosnano, while Saturn owns 25.01%.   The remaining 25.01% go to Gazprombank, which acted as a financial investor.