Active support of the education sector by Kastamonu

Kastamonu – the number one manufacturer of laminated floorings and MDF in Russia, as a systemic enterprise, takes an active part in strategizing development of educational institutions, carries out events to inform students about blue-collar jobs and provides all possible support.

Tatarstan has a powerful research and production capacity. The interaction between the education sector and the real sector of economy is one of the priority tasks for the development of the Republic. Kastamonu, for its part, continues close communication with representatives of different levels of the educational process: from schoolchildren and students to heads of universities and schools, as well as governmental and public agencies in education.

Based on own production, Kastamonu organizes regular excursions for schoolchildren and students, and on-site lessons. There is a high interest in production from higher level managers as well. Thus, in 2023, the enterprise was visited by students of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration who were undergoing professional retraining under the program Master of Public Administration for Managers. The delegation consisted of public officials, directors of private companies and entrepreneurs, as well as winners and finalists of the Leaders of Russia Competition of managers.

Every year, students from a variety of universities undergo practical trainings and internships at the Kastamonu plant, among them in 2023 there were: students from Kazan National Research Technological University, Kazan Federal University, Tatar Institute of Business Assistance, Kazan Technical School of Information Technology and Communications, Naberezhnye Chelny Trade and Technical College, etc. The Human Resources Department regularly conducts on-site career fairs at regional colleges and universities. Kastamonu actively interacts with the Lubyansky Forestry College and provides comprehensive support. And college graduates, having received a profession, successfully work for Kastamonu or cooperate with the company in supplying certified raw materials while managing forestry farms.

"We see the need for close cooperation with the education sector. The exchange of knowledge and resources contributes to the technological breakthrough of the economy as a whole. The experience of joint research projects, discussions of educational programs and professional competencies, and related expertise help us. In direct contact, we create a favorable environment for the interaction and achievement of high goals - and we are happy to contribute to this," said Ali Kilic, CEO of Kastamonu Russia.

Thanks to their authority and personal ties, company employees find and invite renowned professors from Turkey to participate in the Teacher Festival, which is held by the Yelabuga Institute of Kazan Federal University. The company also sets up its own prize for a separate nomination at the Festival award ceremony.

As a sponsor, Kastamonu annually takes part in the Art Project of the Yelabuga State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum&Preserve. Art students from specialized educational institutions and from Turkey take part in BASHNYA International Creative Laboratory, with the support of Kastamonu.

Kastamonu provides building materials as charitable aid to institutes for renovation of classrooms, monetary support for scientific seminars and conferences.

REFERENCE

The group of companies Kastamonu Entegre was established in 1969 as part of Hayat Holding. The company specializes in the manufacturing of MDF wood boards, particleboards, laminate floorings, door skin panels, and glossy panels. The consolidated turnover of Kastamonu Entegre amounts to $1.3 billion. The annual production of wood boards is 5 million m3, laminate floorings – 70 million m2.

Hayat Holding, which includes Kastamonu Entegre, was founded in 1937 and today consists of 41 companies in various business areas. Hayat unites brands such as Papia, Familia, Bingo, Molfix and many others.

Kastamonu Entegre has 18 plants in 7 countries: Turkey, Russia, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the USA. The company ranks No. 5 internationally and No. 3 in Europe among the largest companies in the wood processing industry. Kastamonu is number one manufacturer of laminate floorings and MDF in Russia in the Production Capacity category.*