MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Russia will help restart the Lugansk aviation plant, which until 2014 produced and repaired jet engines and helicopter gearboxes, the government's website said.
During his working trip to the Lugansk people's republic (LPR), Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, accompanied by LPR leader Leonid Pasechnik, visited the local industrial and trade facilities, including the Lugansk Aircraft Repair Plant.
"The enterprise has a big potential and the expertise to manufacture and service the sought-after products, but has been idle since 2014. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister - Industry and Trade Minister noted the need for the plant to reopen as soon as possible. At the behest of Denis Manturov, this effort will involve the United Engine Corporation (UEC, part of Rostec state corporation)," a statement said.
The government "will resolve the issue of unpaid salaries to the staff and, where necessary, provide additional training, take stock of all capacity and problems of the enterprise," Manturov said.
In about a year and a half, the plant should be able to reach pre-downtime levels, he said.
Also during the trip, Manturov handed over to defense-industrial maintenance brigades mobile service systems for technical servicing of military and special hardware in field conditions, the government said.