and pipelayers. The vehicles are powered by technology similar to Caterpillar, and their products are used for large volume excavation in a wide variety of industry sectors. Promtraktor products are used throughout the CIS, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The Cheboksary Aggregate Works, founded in 1933, specializes in the manufacture of spare parts for trucks and tractors. Specific products include tracks, tractor underframe components, iron and steel castings and forgings, transmission and engine parts, and other instruments. The company also produces consumer goods including locks and radiator heating systems. The factory has direct ties with companies in Italy, China, England, Germany, Poland, Greece, Lithuania, and Latvia. Textilmash is a major exporter and is the only company in Russia that manufacturers shuttleless looms and other textile equipment. The company, which has representation in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, exports products to 35 countries around the world. They have approximately 5,000 employees. Food processing Ask someone in Russia about Chuvashia and they will likely respond with a comment about beer, as the republic has been a center of hops growing and beer brewing for hundreds of years. This is especially interesting in light of the exploding growth of beer consumption within Russia. Chuvashia accounts for the vast majority of Russia's hops production and exports its product to Moldova, Lithuania, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Furthermore, Cheboksary is the location of the Association of Hop Growers of Russia, an organization founded in 1994 that aims to increase production and processing of hops in Russia. This historical fact, along with the continued rapid growth of the Russian beer market, gives the republic high potential for further development of the beer industry. Currently, there are two beer manufacturers in Cheboksary, and a third is under construction. The total output of these firms has increased by over 50% in the last five years to over 50,000,000 liters per year. The first, Buket Chuvashi (JSC), is a major producer of beer. Buket was established in 1974 and has a strong regional presence. Buket is interested in expanding production through a joint venture. The second brewery, Yantar (JSC), is a small regional brewer and is also interested in joint ventures to expand production. In addition to beer, agribusiness in Chuvashia has growth potential. Other branches of agriculture important in Chuvashia include grain and potato growing and cattle and pig breeding. A wide variety of food