Trust Bank reported that non-core assets of the bank were auctioned off, centering on the Kostroma Building Materials Plant (KZSM) Group of Companies. The auction was organized as an English auction, a format that starts at a known price and proceeds with ascending bids until a single bid remains outstanding. The opening price for the lot, which comprises 100% of the shares of KZSM LLC and all claims against Integroprom JSC, stands at 1.1 billion rubles, signaling a deliberate market test of the group’s combined equity and receivables portfolio. This approach reflects a strategic use of non-core assets to unlock value while offering an opportunity for institutional buyers to consolidate a fully integrated materials platform.
Market observers in Russia and neighboring regions note that KZSM represents more than a single factory; it is described as a modern, technologically advanced and competitive production site strategically situated near the federal highways of a major regional center. The asset’s value proposition extends beyond the plant’s physical footprint. Prospective purchasers would gain access to an established logistics and storage infrastructure, including a dedicated railway line designed to streamline the movement of materials. Such assets can reduce transit times, lower handling costs, and improve reliability for customers in the construction and building materials sectors. Trust Bank stressed that the buyer would acquire not only the business entity but also an existing operational backbone that supports distribution and fulfillment networks.
KZSM, known in the market as a leading producer of gas silicate blocks within the Central Federal District, operates under the Thermocube brand, a name that has become synonymous with consistent quality and performance in lightweight construction blocks. The facility was developed on a turnkey basis and reached completion in 2009, a timeline that aligns with the region’s rapid construction growth in the second decade of the 21st century. Since commissioning, the plant has pursued scale, efficiency, and product diversification to meet evolving customer demands across residential, commercial, and industrial segments. The sale represents an opportunity to continue this trajectory under new ownership, leveraging an integrated manufacturing footprint and established supplier relationships.
The product portfolio includes a wide array of aerated concrete blocks, commonly used for energy-efficient construction, along with complementary adhesives and installation materials. With a strong emphasis on performance characteristics such as thermal conductivity, load-bearing capacity, and ease of installation, the Thermocube line has become a recognizable option for builders seeking reliable materials that contribute to faster project completion times. The auction process allows investors or industrial buyers to assess the full scope of assets and consider how the plant’s production capabilities could scale to meet regional demand across Canada and the United States through potential export channels or cross-border distribution agreements.