Small Engines for a Big Cause: Collaboration Between USAID ERA and Dneproresurs LLC 

BCP Renovation and Reconstruction
08 October 2024

Amid the unprecedented challenges brought on by the war, Ukrainian enterprises have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovative approaches to restoring critical infrastructure. A prime example is the collaboration between USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) and the Ukrainian manufacturer Dneproresurs LLC. 

This summer, USAID ERA procured 27 electric motors that were installed in gantry cranes and railway jacks at three border railway border crossing points (BCPs) in Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Zakarpattia Oblasts. These are the Mostyska II, Chop, and Vadul-Siret rail BCPs. This was one of the factors that improved Ukrzaliznytsia’s (UZ) technical capabilities for handling freight transportation.

Gantry cranes are used to lift and move heavy cargo containers between different transport modes, while railway jacks are used to lift train carriages for maintenance tasks such as changing wheelsets or performing repairs. 

Dneproresurs LLC, a Ukrainian company operating for over 20 years in the electrical equipment market, manufactures these motors under the brand name ELMO. The company specializes in producing and supplying industrial electrical equipment used in various sectors of Ukraine and beyond. These include general-purpose electric motors of the AIR series, explosion-proof motors, and overhauling electric motors ranging from 0.12 kW to 8000 kW. Additionally, they manufacture pump equipment, mainly for water supply, and also fan equipment for various uses including ventilation, air heating, and air conditioning systems. 

Cameron Berkuti, ERA BCP Director emphasized the significance of these electric motors:

“While they may seem modest at first glance, these motors are crucial for bogie lifts that are used in changing wheelsets, allowing trains and wagons to transition between Ukraine’s wide gauge (1520 mm) and Europe’s standard gauge (1435 mm), and vice versa. These compact engines significantly boost the efficiency and speed of cranes and bogie lifts. Without functioning motors, this equipment often stood idle or operated at reduced capacity.” 

Despite the devastating impact of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, Dneproresurs has managed to overcome the crisis and maintain high production standards. Their expertise and high-quality products have ensured their leading role in supplying electrical equipment not only to the Ukrainian market but also internationally. Smart-Grid LLC, an ERA vendor, supplied the Dneproresurs products under the USAID ERA contract, thereby confirming the high-quality standards and recognition of the ELMO branded products. This collaboration has underscored the trust USAID places in Ukrainian manufacturers and marked Dneproresurs as a company of quality, opening new horizons for further development and strengthening its position in international markets. 

The successful installation and operation of these electric motors have allowed UZ to significantly increase productivity at the three BCPs. This improvement has not only ensured the smooth flow of cargo but has also boosted export volumes, particularly of grain crops, which are vital for the country’s economic stability. 

Nataliia Kolesnychenko, Director of Dniproresurs LLC  noted:

“USAID ERA has catalyzed the development of Dneproresurs’ production capabilities and opened new opportunities for expanding sales both domestically and internationally. Our collaboration vividly demonstrates how international aid, combined with local innovation and enterprise resilience, can contribute to the restoration and development of critical infrastructure, even under the most challenging conditions.”

Dneproresurs continually implements the latest technologies in its production processes, ensuring high product quality and increased energy efficiency, while supporting its employees and local communities through social projects to overcome the consequences of the war. The company plans to continue expanding its production capacities and entering new international markets, further strengthening the position of Ukrainian manufacturers on the global stage. 

For more details about Dneproresurs and its products, visit the official website: https://elmo.ua/uk/