History
The history of Molniya factory originates in the year 1976. Throughout decades of changes and transformations, it remains the only full-fledged manufacturer of zippers in Ukraine.
1976-
2026
1973-1976
The USSR government has decided to launch a domestic manufacturing of zippers due to the deficiency of imported goods. Molniya was founded in 1976, in the small town of Baryshivka, Kyiv region.
Full-scale production of zippers was launched, using the machinery of a German manufacturer.
1978-1982
Following the purchase of new German and Japanese equipment, Molniya increased its production capacity. Two types of zippers are available: woven spiral and plastic molded. Die-casting machines and automatic slider assembly machines are used regularly.
The 90s
The dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted in the transfer of companies from public to private ownership. Molniya was divided into several companies.
2007-2015
Credo Active Group became the main owner of Molniya. It was the beginning of the new stage of recovery and development for Molniya to become a leading factory in the consumer goods industry of Ukraine.
2016
The production capacity of open-end zipper T6 was doubled owing to the purchase of new zipper and slider assembly machines. Our product entered the European market. Delivery to Italy expanded our borders.
The opening of the first representative office in Lviv, Ukraine occurred.
2017
The launch of a new zipper type – L8 plastic. New injection machines and zipper assembly machines allowed increased production capacity of plastic zippers up to 50%.
The installation of new modern die-casting machines resulted in the termination of natural gas use.
A representative office was opened in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
2018-2019
A new partnership with a supplier of dyestuff and color solutions, well known worldwide, Dy Star Group made it possible to produce a new type of zipper – water-repellent S-type zippers T4, T6, T8.
Significant increase in the production capacity of several zipper types – T4 close-end, T6 two-way, and T8 open-end due to the installation of new automatic production lines.
2020
Newly available improvements of T6 zipper – marking points on zipper chains, contrast stitch yarn to simplify work of sewing zippers into mattresses and footwear.
Complete renovation of the T6 close-end production line and the sliders assembly.
Molniya has acquired OEKO-TEX certificate, class 1.
2021
New types of zippers in the assortment: PU laminated and with reflective tape. An increase in the production of the molded zipper by 60% and by 25% in the productivity of weaving workshops, ribbon painting and slider assembly. Implementation of Lean manufacturing system in the foundry. Expansion of the export geography: Finland, Hungary and Serbia began to purchase a zipper of our production. Launch of the Molniya website in German, on a new domain www.molniya.eu.com.
2022-2023
The beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine marked a challenging period for the company. We were forced to rapidly reorganize our operations and adjust raw material and component procurement to the new realities. The first difficult winter was characterized by prolonged blackouts and power shortages, which required the purchase and implementation of backup generators.
Despite these challenges, we successfully acquired and brought into operation new equipment for the production of sewn continuous zipper tape, type 5. At the same time, our weaving machines for woven zippers were modernized, and new auto slider assembly machines and die-casting machines were put into operation. As a result, productivity for certain product groups increased by up to 60%.
2024
New production lines for zipper manufacturing (both closed-end and open-end types) were purchased and brought into operation. Productivity of open-end zippers for mattresses (lengths from 5 meters and above) increased by 55%.
We began implementing Lean manufacturing principles in the weaving and tape dyeing departments, while continuing process optimization initiatives in the die-casting. The primary focus during this period was reducing electricity consumption under wartime conditions and scheduled power outages.
2025
In 2025, our company participated for the first time in an international trade fair — Interzum 2025 in Cologne. We established more than one hundred contacts with potential partners and received our first orders from new European customers.
We also visited the International Istanbul Yarn Fair, strengthening relationships with existing suppliers, engaging with new partners, and addressing raw material requirements for a new colored zipper project.
Throughout the year, we continued comprehensive process optimization across all production departments, operating under conditions of workforce shortages and ongoing power supply disruptions.
