The North Korean Cabinet has ordered the Samjiyon Blueberry Drink Factory to complete its quarterly quota of blueberry products one month earlier than planned, Daily NK has learned.
“The Samjiyon Blueberry Drink Factory was given orders in late July to complete its drink quota for the third quarter (July through September) by the end of August. After receiving the orders, the factory immediately sped up its plans and is currently ramping up production,” a source in Ryanggang province told Daily NK on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
According to the source, the Cabinet ordered accelerated production to satisfy domestic demand and stimulate economic activity in the third quarter.
The extra output is supposed to be set aside for important state events and fall holidays. Major fall holidays in North Korea this year include the 76th anniversary of the foundation of the republic on Sept. 9 and the 79th anniversary of the establishment of the Workers’ Party of Korea on Oct. 10.
The orders stipulated that the factory needs to produce fine-tasting blueberry drinks of the highest quality for use at state events.
“The Samjiyon Blueberry Drink Factory is currently operating 24 hours a day on orders from the cabinet. Given the difficulty of adjusting the work schedule for the accelerated production deadline, more workers have been brought in to increase output,” the source said.
Factory workers are paying extra attention to product quality, using the latest manufacturing equipment and painstakingly monitoring production.
Party committees mobilize to support accelerated production
The party committees for Ryanggang province and Samjiyon are reportedly taking special interest in the factory’s production activity. Both committees have made clear they are willing to help facilitate production, prevent disruptions and manage the workforce while the factory is running at full capacity.
“Since the factory has been ordered to produce top-shelf products for a variety of state functions planned for this fall, officials from the provincial and municipal party committees have personally said they will help the factory troubleshoot any problems that come up,” the source said.
“The provincial and municipal party committees are actively resolving any labor and material shortages that arise, and factory managers and officials are demonstrating good teamwork as they remain focused on production.”
Daily NK works with a network of sources living in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous for security reasons.
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