Dyatkovsky crystal factory LLC "DHZ plus" is a symbol of the Bryansk region, its calling card and pride. Founded in 1780 by the Maltsov dynasty of industrialists and philanthropists, it has followed a path of more than two centuries.
The famous Maltsov dynasty dates back almost 300 years. The founders of glass factories and crystal factories were called the "crystal kings of Russia," but this was not the only area of their activity. The Maltsovsky Industrial District, created by them, included more than 50 enterprises: cast-iron foundries, machine-building, enamel, nail, steam locomotive and wagon factories.
In 1775, Akim and Foma Maltsov received the status of nobles, which gave them ample opportunities for the development of industrial entrepreneurship, and by the end of the 18th century, the Maltsov dynasty already owned sixteen factories.
In 1780, after the death of Akim Vasilyevich, his wife Maria Vasilyevna Maltsova continued the Maltsov business and bought land for the construction of a glass factory on the banks of the Olshanka River, where the village of Dyatkovo is located. This marked the beginning of the creation of Russia's largest glass industry center.
In 1798, the company passed to Maria Vasilyevna's son Ivan Akimovich Maltsov, who made Dyatkovo the center around which the Maltsovskaya Industrial Empire was rapidly forming in the following years. Ivan Akimovich invests a lot of money, the heat of his soul and his unique talent as an entrepreneur in his favorite business, glass production. Thanks to the efforts of Ivan Maltsov, already at the beginning of the 19th century, Dyatkovsky crystal was known not only throughout Russia, but also beyond its borders.
Later, in 1849, Ivan Akimovich's son Sergei Ivanovich Maltsov, who had made a brilliant military career in St. Petersburg at the court of Emperor Nicholas I, retired with the rank of major general, deciding to continue the family business. Thanks to his efforts, the Maltsov enterprises in the Orel province of the Bryansk district turned into a large industrial district with the most advanced production facilities and technologies for that time. "Everything must be made in Russia" – this rule became the basis of all the Maltsovs' activities.
Crystal has been appreciated at all times. This is what allowed folk art to survive wars and revolutions. Constant participation in domestic and international exhibitions and fairs has brought constant success, recognition, and numerous awards. During the Soviet era, the Dyatkovsky Crystal Factory, known both in Russia and abroad, was awarded the international Golden Mercury, Golden Star, and Diamond Star awards, and received a number of European awards for quality. By the way, the factory itself also produced a huge number of prizes – the "Crystal Boxing Glove" and the "Crystal Skate" – the prize of the Moskovskie Novosti newspaper in figure skating, the "Crystal Pelican" (an award for the best teachers in Russia), the "Goddess of Medicine" (an award for doctors of the Russian Federation) and many, many others.
Despite widespread recognition, there was a moment in the history of the plant when production almost died, being on the verge of bankruptcy. Fortunately, in 2013, a native of Dyatkovo, businessman and philanthropist Sergey Alexandrovich Avdeev initiated a project to revive it, taking over the management of the enterprise.
The restoration of workshops began on the abandoned site of the plant, the new company was named Dyatkovsky Crystal Factory Plus LLC and became part of the dmi group of companies, headed by S. A. Avdeev. From that moment, the revival of the traditions of crystal making in Dyatkovo began.
New equipment was installed at the factory, which became the successor enterprise of the historical folk craft, and the semi-dark workshops turned into modern spaces shining with cleanliness and light. But the technology has remained the same – it is dominated by manual labor, which gives the crystal its uniqueness.
In 2013, the presentation of the revived factory's crystal products took place at the Russian Embassy in London as part of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the House of Romanov. Its new owner met with the descendants of the Maltsov dynasty. Following the presentation, the Maltsovsky plant received the Diploma of the "Supplier of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Great Britain and Northern Ireland", which was presented by the head of the House of Romanov, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna Romanova.
In January 2015, the production workshop was re-launched at the historic production site, and a new glass furnace was launched – the heart of crystal production, which produced high-quality glass.
In 2016, the construction of a new workshop was underway at an active pace, the preparatory area, processing and chemical polishing areas were put into operation, and the stage of production unification was completed.
The premiere of 2016 was a new product line – they are distinguished by their elegant simplicity of forms, minimalism in decor, and wide "lettering" facet. This design demonstrates the high quality of glass and corresponds to the current trends in the European glass industry.
In 2017, a new crystal supply concept was developed, and the Avdeev Crystal trademark was launched on the market. The sales network is expanding.
