St. Petersburg, June 25, 2026 — The PKRF Group of Companies participated in the meeting of the Council of Chief Welders, organized by The Association of Industrial Enterprises of St. Petersburg (APP SPb).

The event was held at the site of the NW ANTC Energomontazh and brought together managers and specialists of welding production and non-destructive testing of more than 25 largest industrial enterprises. Saint Petersburg, including:

• Central Research Institute of KM Prometheus
• Baltic USC Plant
• GazStroyProm
• "Power machines"
• Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant, as well as representatives of universities and secondary specialized educational institutions.

The participation of PKRF Group in the meeting confirmed the company's interest in the development of the industrial sector and its willingness to provide digital tools for optimizing supply chains, financing purchases and logistics of equipment and materials for the welding industry.

the program of the meeting

The meeting of the Council of Chief Welders was divided into three thematic blocks: digitalization of welding production and non-destructive testing (with reports on the introduction of KEDRVED MANAGER, WeldWeb and digital NC), automation and robotization of technological processes (experience in choosing solutions, ultrasonic testing), as well as training of qualified personnel (competencies, practice-oriented training). Experts from leading enterprises and specialized universities spoke in each block.

analytical review of the welding industry in Russia

1) Market volume and dynamics

The market of electric welding equipment in Russia is showing steady growth. In 2024, its capacity was estimated in the range of 225-230 billion rubles. Against the background of the global market, which is projected to reach by 2032 29.3 billion US dollars with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%, the Russian segment is showing outstripping dynamics.

In particular, the global market for arc welding equipment will amount to 7.2 billion dollars, the growth will be driven by increased demand in the energy, utilities and automotive industries.

2) Technological trends: robotics, lasers, digitalization

The year 2025 was a year of accelerated transformation for the welding industry . If a few years ago automation was considered as a competitive advantage, today it is becoming an industrial necessity.

Robotics has become the main driver of 2025. According to experts, the shortage of qualified welders and staff migration to other industries are becoming a steady trend. Under these conditions, robotics allows you to simultaneously solve two tasks — to increase productivity and close the personnel gap.

The dynamics is confirmed by quantitative indicators. According to the data According to Kept and Industrial Robotics, by the end of 2025, the density of robotics in Russia will be 40 robots per 10,000 employees, which is 36% more than in the previous year (in 2024, the figure was 29 robots per 10,000 people). The national project "Means of Production and Automation" sets a goal to reach the level of 145 industrial robots per 10,000 people by 2030 and become one of the 25 most robotic countries in the world.

The economic impact of robotization is becoming more and more obvious:

• Payback period is 2-3 years.
• Productivity growth — 1.5–2 times
• Reduction of marriage — up to 30%
• The ability to work 24/7

Further expansion of robotic welding complexes, including for medium-sized businesses, is expected in 2026. Thus, Rosatom has already switched to the use of robots in welding pumping equipment elements for NPP: In 2025, a robotic welding project was launched at the CCBM production site in Sosnovy Bor , which makes it possible to almost double the speed of welding operations. In May 2026, a system was created in Russia that accelerates the programming of welding robots by 3-5 times — the novelty was presented at the Metalloobrabotka - 2026 exhibition.

Laser technologies are also expanding their application in industry. Previously, laser technologies were perceived as a niche solution, but in 2025 their application has significantly expanded. Key trends:

• Switching to fiber lasers, which are in demand due to their compactness, energy efficiency and stable power during long-term operation
• Integration of laser welding machines into automated production lines
• Expansion of applications when working with thin-sheet stainless steel, aluminum, copper and titanium alloys;
• The growing interest in portable laser devices from small and medium-sized businesses

According to analysts, in 2023-2025, sales of fiber lasers increased by 25-30% in the segments of mechanical engineering and metal structures. The demand for laser machines in Russia is ahead of the European and American markets. Manufacturers and suppliers provide manual laser welding machines, chillers, and robotic complexes for laser cutting, welding, and surfacing for the Russian industry.

Digitalization is becoming not just a trend, but a necessity. In August 2025, the Borlas Group presented a solution for laser welding based on artificial intelligence and ML models. PetrSU scientists have developed a technology for continuous monitoring of welds: a computer model that recognizes welding and surfacing defects was created at the Center for Artificial Intelligence based on Neural Networks. The model is part of a hardware and software package loaded into a computer that is directly in production.

the role of AKTAWA in the development of the welding industry

The international platform AKTAWA, part of the PKRF group of companies, as a universal business platform that unites suppliers and buyers from 24 countries, is ready to offer integrated solutions to the welding industry.:

• Search for suppliers of equipment, materials and components worldwide
• Financing of purchases with a deferred payment of up to 90 days, with a credit limit of up to 300 million rubles
• Organization of logistics and customs clearance
• Digital tools for transparent control of supply chains through the platform.

Participation in the meeting of the Council of Chief Welders allows PKRF Group to better understand the needs of the industry and adapt its services to the tasks of industrial enterprises, from shipbuilding and mechanical engineering to construction and the oil and gas sector.

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