Elcoteq Network Corp. (www.elcoteq.com), a global provider of electronics manufacturing services (EMS) for the communications technology industry, has announced its plan to build a new plant in St. Petersburg, Russia. Construction of the 14,700 m² (158,000 sq. ft.) plant is expected to begin in the final quarter of 2004, with operations beginning in the fall of 2005.

When operating at capacity, the plant is expected to employ about 1,500 people. The company's current manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg employs 170 people.

"From 2005 on we will need more production capacity for mobile phones and communications network equipment.  This investment program will safeguard our service capability to European customers," said Jukka Jäämaa, executive vice president.

The investment in land and construction will total approximately $18.6 million. The machinery and equipment needed will be determined by the type of products, production volumes and timing of product programs.

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