The legendary Gomselmash holding, whose harvesters are known far beyond Belarus, became the center of celebrations in Gomel. The holiday brought together industry veterans, young specialists, city and regional leadership, as well as hundreds of residents who came to see the enterprise's achievements.

Giants on Cosmonauts Avenue

Twelve red "steel giants" lined up along Cosmonauts Avenue. A wide model range was on display: from modern machines to legendary retro models produced at the plant over the years. Grain harvesters, forage harvesters, mounted and trailed equipment – everything that shapes the modern image of the Belarusian manufacturer's agricultural machinery. Visitors could not only inspect the models up close but also talk with engineers and representatives of the holding.

"Here we have the first forage harvester, the KSK-100, with which the plant began production of self-propelled forage harvesting machines," says marketing specialist Vladimir Chayukov. "Also on display is the KZR-10 – the first grain harvesting machine for Selmash. Then came grain harvesters, rotary models, with hoppers."

To Upbeat Rhythms

A column of the holding's youth marched in a ceremonial procession along Cosmonauts Avenue. The procession, accompanied by the fiery rhythms of the Vitebsk band "BARABEN", became one of the most spectacular events of the program. The procession ended at the Gomselmash stadium, where an extensive festive program continued for participants and guests.

Honoring the Best

The heart of the celebration was the awards ceremony. General Director of OJSC Gomselmash Vitaly Sheleg delivered a solemn speech.

"At the beginning of the sovereign path of our dear Republic of Belarus, the provision of agricultural machinery for soil cultivation and tillage was only fourteen percent. And today, in 2026, this figure is already ninety-eight percent – and it was achieved by your hands," emphasized Vitaly Sheleg. "Friends, brothers, comrades! All the world's turbulence is within our power. A deep bow to you, machine builders. We are the best industry in our country. Let everyone envy us. Keep it up!"

He congratulated everyone on their professional holiday, expressed gratitude for their work, and especially noted the contribution of industry veterans and working dynasties. It was also noted that Gomel machinery is known far beyond the country's borders and is competitive on the international market.

"Gomselmash will live!"

At the exhibition, enterprise veterans shared their memories. Mikhail Khrapunov, whose work experience spans 41 years, started with the KSK-100 combine harvester in 1978.

"I worked as a turner at GSKB and took part in creating the Vikhr combine harvester. I am proud to represent this enterprise. It is growing, and I see a lot of young people, technical people. Creating such a machine is not easy; you have to be a great intellectual. Although the foundation exists – universities, colleges," says Mikhail Dmitrievich.

Anatoly Taranov, who worked at the enterprise for 30 years, whose last position was deputy general director for production:

"We developed the KZR-10 – the first combine that today has become the prototype of the entire line of modern machines. It was a revolutionary solution for its time. No one in Belarus produced a grain combine harvester back then. For me, Machine Builder's Day is a ritual. Gomselmash is alive and will live!"

Former workshop chief Alexander Strakh added:

"We have walked a long career path together as colleagues. I started as an assistant foreman. You look – the combines have become completely different, science is moving forward, and it is impossible to stop it. It's nice to come, take a look, and meet familiar faces."

A celebration for everyone

Guests could attend sports competitions, and children happily spent time in special play areas. A variety of food outlets were operating to help guests recharge.

The heart of the celebration was a huge stage, where musical groups, dancers, and vocalists performed in succession. Guests happily sang along to their favorite songs, and some could not resist dancing.

Machine Builder's Day showed that the future of production lies not only in modern technologies but also in the hands of active, united, and talented young people who continue the glorious traditions of the enterprise.