PZPS: development and innovation in metallurgy — an interview with the Executive Director in Metal Supply and Sales magazine

Petersburg Plant of Precision Alloys is one of the leading players in Russia’s metallurgical industry that actively contributes to development of domestic industry. A recent publication in the authoritative magazine Metal Supply and Sales covers the enterprise’s achievements including launch of new equipment and striving to improve product quality. In an interview with PZPS executive director Alexander Blinkov key moments of the plant’s work and its plans for the future are discussed.

About the plant and its achievements

PZPS specializes in producing precision alloys, corrosion-resistant, scale-resistant, and heat-resistant steels and alloys. The plant is a closed-cycle metallurgical enterprise including induction melting furnaces and hot and cold rolling mills.

Especially noteworthy is the recent launch of new equipment and plans to expand production capacity. For example, a vacuum furnace was recently launched, which opened new opportunities for PZPS in improving product quality and increasing production volumes.

About the magazine Metal Supply and Sales

Metal Supply and Sales is an expert magazine specializing in analyzing the metals and metal products market in Russia and CIS countries. It provides current information on the state of the metallurgical industry, its development trends, as well as activity of manufacturer companies, suppliers, and consumers of metals.

The magazine is oriented toward professionals working in metallurgy, construction, machine building, and other industries where metals are used. Analytical articles, market reviews, interviews with experts, company news, and other materials are published in it that help readers make informed decisions and stay up to date with the latest events.

Key points from the interview

In MSS 2025 No. 2 issue the article “New horizons of PZPS” was published in which executive director A.V. Blinkov told about moments important for the enterprise:

• New vacuum-induction furnace. Launch of the vacuum furnace in December 2024 became an important step in plant modernization. This furnace made it possible to improve quality of products released, expand the assortment, and increase production volumes. In particular, it created opportunities for developing new alloys including for replacing imported analogues. PZPS actively uses the research center for import substitution work, which raises product competitiveness.
• Certification to ISO 9001-2015 standards and the “Year of Quality.” In 2025 PZPS declared a year of quality, setting the goal of reaching zero reject indicators. The plant introduced an ISO quality management system, which contributes to continuous production improvement. This approach makes it possible to raise physical and mechanical characteristics of products as well as ensure the highest surface quality of materials. Plant plans include purchasing new equipment for polishing and processing products, which will improve their appearance and ensure further company growth.
• Significance of PZPS for Russian industry. Despite a relatively small share in total metal production volume, PZPS occupies a key position in high-tech industries. Precision alloys and special steels produced at the plant are indispensable in such spheres as nuclear power, aircraft building, and microelectronics. With development of these industries demand for high-quality materials also grows. PZPS actively participates in implementing the Strategy for development of Russian ferrous metallurgy until 2030, supporting the country’s technological sovereignty.

The plant continues to strengthen its positions on Russian and international markets, striving for technological leadership and development of the Russian metallurgical sector.

Development strategy and investments

PZPS invests in expanding and modernizing its capacities. In recent years new equipment was acquired, and a project for building a new high-precision metallurgy shop was developed. The most important investment projects include launch of electroslag and electron-beam remelting furnaces, as well as purchase of new rolling equipment for hot rolling that will be ordered in the PRC.

Timelines and scales of such modernizations speak to the fact that PZPS is ready not only to develop existing production but also to significantly expand its product line. By 2028 the plant plans to become a broad-profile metallurgical enterprise releasing diverse kinds of steels and alloys as well as products from them.

PZPS research work

The plant also actively develops the research center, which works in two directions:

• Internal research: improving material properties, analyzing various rolling emulsions, research on improving alloy weldability.
• Work with external customers: developing alloys for replacing imported materials, for example for superconductor substrates and analogues of Inconel alloys.

How does PZPS ensure quality of its products?

Product quality at PZPS is maintained thanks to strict control at all production stages. The plant adheres to international ISO standards and internal procedures for quality improvement. In 2025 work will begin at the enterprise on improving product surface quality, which will make it more competitive.

In addition, PZPS actively purchases the newest equipment for improving product processing and plans to expand the line of technologies for cleaning and polishing materials.

Petersburg Plant of Precision Alloys continues to develop, bringing ambitious plans for expanding production and improving product quality to life. The plant is an important player on the Russian metallurgy market and has strategic significance for many high-tech industries.