A month after Russia invaded Ukraine, we're getting more insight into what the continuing war means to plastics firms in the country. And much of what that looks like depends on where those operations are based.
OSV Technology, a polyurethane supplier headquartered in Oleshky — just across the river from Kherson, one of the major battle zones — had to abandon the site. Three company leaders have made their way to Poland, where OSV is now selling products from its warehouse there.
Those sales are helping to support OSV workers still harboring in Oleshky, which is under Russian occupation.
But in Western Ukraine, German auto supplier Leoni AG, a maker of wiring harnesses, has been able to ramp up production again after slowing immediately after the invasion began.
Not that it's been easy, of course.
Workers at Kolomyia and Nezhukhiv have had to flee to on-site bunkers on multiple occasions, Leoni CEO Aldo Kamper told our sister paper Automotive News Europe.
It is now at 40 percent of capacity but hopes to bring that up to 70 percent by adding a night shift.
"It is both impressive and moving how our employees are determined not to let the situation get the best of them but stand up for their country and for their way of life. Their safety and their lives are a top priority for us," Kamper said.
