The American photography-product manufacturer's Russian subsidiary is holding discussions with three Russian factories which desperately need to upgrade their technology, AO Kodak's president and general manager Thomas Garman told a news conference.
"Russian companies are interested in the latest technology to become competitive, and this also meets the interests of Kodak because it strengthens our position on the market," Garman said.
Sergei Stalnov, AO Kodak's training department manager, said the company plans to invest in new equipment for assembling cameras, preparing chemicals and packaging film, although he said it is "unlikely that high-tech film will be produced in Russia."
Negotiations are under way with the Svema, Tasma and Slavich film factories, Garman said. He did not say how much money Kodak might invest or when any deals might be reached.
Kodak's Russia division recorded $100 million in sales over the last year, capturing more than 50 percent of the film market, and has opened about 330 Kodak-Express film-developing shops across the country, Garman said.
Kodak has invested a total of $40 million in Russia over the last four years, including a $2 million movie theater to be open in September on Pushkin Square. With a tradition of sophisticated photography, Russia is a natural place to invest, "no matter who wins the presidential elections," he said.
Although Svema, Tasma and Slavich film factories produce quality black-and-white film 20 to 30 percent cheaper than imports, "as far as color film is concerned, we really don't have any competition here," Garman said.
Kodak gets no support or incentives from the Russian government in its investment projects, Garman said.
Company officials also displayed new digital cameras that improve picture quality and allow photos to be sent over the Internet, which will soon be available in Russia for $1,000. Also to be introduced in Russia is a $20,000 professional digital camera -- the expensive fruit of cooperation of photography giants Kodak, Nikon and Cannon -- especially designed for processing pictures for printed press, country business manager Walter Martinovich said.
Asked why the print quality at Kodak-Express shops in Russia was worse than in America, Martinovich said the company could not be responsible for franchisees -- who pay a yearly $300 fee -- that used fewer chemicals than Kodak prescribed.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.