Russia destroys warehouses of well-known Ukrainian stationery supplier
Illustrative photo: clearing the aftermath of Russian strike (State Emergency Service of Ukraine)
As a result of the Russian attack on September 11, the facilities, logistics infrastructure and inventory of Import-Office Ukraine were completely destroyed, Forbes Ukraine reports.
The fire destroyed products from Ukrainian brands Buromax, Zibi and Buroclean. It also destroyed products from global brands such as Bic, Maped, Fellowes, Uni and many others for which the company is an official distributor.
The destroyed inventory and logistics infrastructure were used to supply Ukrainian offices, factories, schools, kindergartens and households. Despite the scale of the losses, the company remains operational. It is consolidating products that were already in transit or at manufacturing facilities, restoring its operations and working to stabilize supplies.
The company's founders, Vadym Zibrov and Oksana Filonova, said they intend to rebuild the business.
"It hurts. Neither the mind nor the heart can accept it. What our team created together over decades has been destroyed. But we are not giving up! We will stand strong! We will rebuild!" they said.
Thanks to shipments made in advance, some Buromax and Zibi products remain available in retail chains and partner online stores. However, the official buromax.ua and zibi.ua websites have temporarily suspended operations.
What is known about Import-Office Ukraine
The company has been operating since 1994 and is one of Ukraine's leading suppliers of stationery, arts and crafts products, and office supplies.
Its portfolio includes more than 12,000 products. The company has its own warehouses and vehicle fleet, works with more than 1,500 wholesale customers, and employs more than 300 people.
Regular Russian strikes on Ukrainian food warehouses have also caused shortages in Kyiv. Logistics centers and warehouses belonging to major retailers, including Novus, ATB, Silpo and Fora, have been damaged.
