Abdulaziz Khodjakov: “Ensuring drinking water quality starts with choosing the right pipes”

Modern pipeline systems are crucial for establishing dependable infrastructure across water supply, energy, industry, and agriculture.

Rising demand for high-pressure polyethylene pipes is pushing domestic manufacturers to improve product quality, secure a steady raw material supply, and boost production volumes.

Mega Plast Group LLC manufactures polyethylene pipes in various diameters and products for drip irrigation systems for domestic energy facilities, major infrastructure projects, and export markets.

UzA correspondent spoke with Marketing Manager at Mega Plast Group LLC Abdulaziz Khodjakov about industry opportunities, product quality requirements, participation in major projects, export destinations, and prospects for international cooperation.

– Since 2016, the company has specialized in manufacturing high-pressure-resistant polyethylene pipes ranging from 16 to 500 millimeters in diameter, as well as drip irrigation equipment for orchards and vineyards. We place particular emphasis on products for water supply, energy, industry, construction, and agriculture.

In 2019, Microcreditbank’s Jizzakh branch secured financing for Kalina Lyuks Servis LLC, the company’s main production base. In 2020, equipment worth $208,500 was purchased.

Naturally, businesses sometimes face challenges. But our main goal is to move forward step by step while expanding production. Our success stems from consistent hard work.

– The quality of raw materials, compliance with standards, and quality control are essential in polyethylene pipe manufacturing. How is this process managed at your company, and what approach do you take when producing pipes for drinking water systems?

– The quality of a pipe begins with the raw materials used. That is why we place particular emphasis on using virgin raw materials. In particular, we import the raw materials required for PE-100 products from Russia, as they are not yet produced in Uzbekistan. Shurtan Gas and Uz-Kor Gas operate in our country, and we have met with their representatives, but our demand for these raw materials is currently met through imports.

Once the products are manufactured, their quality is tested in a laboratory. We strictly comply with national standards. On September 18, we renewed our certificate of compliance with national standards, extending its validity by three years.

– In which major facilities are your products used? How is the company involved in the nuclear power plant project and other energy projects?

– As part of the nuclear power plant construction project in Forish district of Jizzakh region, we supplied polyethylene pipes for wastewater systems. They are already in use on site and undergoing practical testing. This is an important experience for us, as operating conditions at an actual facility clearly indicate the products’ resistance to high pressure and their performance characteristics. In this area, we have also worked with OʻzGASHKLITI under a contract.

Work on the nuclear power plant project continues. Plans include laying 121 kilometers of drinking water supply networks, and a residential complex is also being built in the area. We also cooperate with the Turkish company Chalik Energy. It is constructing an electrical substation in Karmana district of Navoi region and another in Nishan district of Kashkadarya region. Our polyethylene pipes are being used at these facilities.

There are also opportunities to work with oil companies and organizations involved in water supply and water engineering. Our goal is to expand the use of our products across sectors and meet demand for high-quality pipes through domestic production.

– Which international markets does the company export to, and what steps are you taking to expand exports?

– Our primary sales market is the domestic market. As a small and medium-sized business, we are still increasing production volumes, so we cannot yet say that we have fully covered the domestic market. We are focused on strengthening consumer and customer confidence in the quality of our products. In projects involving clean drinking water, it is extremely important to pay close attention to pipe quality. Another strategic area for us is developing drip irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards.

We have also achieved our first results in entering foreign markets: in April, Mega Plast Group LLC exported its products to Tajikistan. This was an important step in developing our export potential. We plan to expand the number of foreign markets we serve and to strengthen cooperation with international companies. To this end, we place particular emphasis on product quality, compliance with international requirements, and reliable supply.

– This is the company’s first time participating in the 16th International Plastics and Polymers Industry Exhibition in Tashkent region. What new projects and agreements are you discussing? What are your priorities for the near future?

– Our ties with foreign partners go back many years, and we have been working with Chinese companies since 2005. At the exhibition, we proposed establishing a joint venture with KonRun in Uzbekistan. We plan to introduce our partners to potential production sites and outline the available conditions and infrastructure. This will help us expand production in Uzbekistan, introduce new technologies, and take our cooperation to a new level.

Interviewed by Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA