MOSCOW, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Russia's VSMPO-AVISMA

, the world's biggest producer of titanium, said on

Monday that it plans to switch to a four-day working week for

some employees not directly involved in production.

"It is planned to transfer some employees who are not

involved in key production processes, mainly administrative

staff, to a four-day working week," the company said in a

statement to Reuters.

It said the move was "aimed at preserving the highly

qualified staff of the enterprise and maintaining operational

stability." The company did not say for how long the measures

would be in place.

"This is not an easy decision, but it allows us to

retain our team and prepare for the market recovery. We consider

this as a temporary measure and will offer additional

professional training opportunities to employees," it said.

Reuters reported on October 9 that some of Russia's biggest

industrial companies were putting employees on furlough or

cutting staff as the war economy slows, domestic demand stalls

and exports dry up.

VSMPO, or the Verkhnaya Salda Metallurgical Production

Association, dates its history to 1933 when it was created to

supply aluminium and aluminium alloy for the Soviet Union's

aircraft-building industry.

Before the start of what Moscow calls its special military

operation in Ukraine, VSMPO-AVISMA supplied titanium to Boeing ( BA )

and Airbus. Canada relaxed sanctions in 2024 to allow Airbus to

use titanium from Russia.

"The company will continue to fulfil all obligations to

customers and partners, ensuring high-quality products and

maintaining its position as a leader in the global titanium

market," VSMPO-AVISMA said.