Zhukov, Moscow. The first lengths of PRAGMA pipe have been manufactured on a trial basis at Pipelife’s Russian factory. Full production will start within weeks and demand for this very rigid polypropylene pipe in the country’s busy construction and civil engineering market is expected to be significant. Ype Vink, general manager of Pipelife Russia is delighted with the progress and the opportunities that will consequently open up as a result of this development. “The quality of the manufacturing process for this ribbed sewer pipe is excellent. Local production on what is now our third line is clearly more economical than importing the product. It will allow us to meet the demand for a plastic pipe solution that calls for tough yet flexible performance - even in the coldest of climates.” Factory trials have so far involved 300, 400 and 500DN. Larger dimensions of 500 and 800DN will be available within a short period. This Russian PRAGMA manufacturing facility is the eleventh production line of its kind within the Pipelife group. “The perception for PRAGMA is quite established in Russia,” says Vink. “For example, the pipes have been incorporated beneath the Kremlin and more recently for a wide scale renovation project for the ancient XVIII century Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. We anticipate that demand for the pipe may even extend to its use in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.” Pipelife started to build its Zhukov factory near Moscow in April last year and has already started continuous production of PE pipes on two lines for the important Russian water distribution sector. For more information please contact: ype.vink@pipelife.ru