As of late 1999 a number of almost completed airframes had stood unsold at the manufacturing plants for some time. Reportedly, the VASO factory in Voronezh has several Il-96s in a high degree of completion, needing a relatively moderate investment to buy engines, avionics and other components from subcontractors. The operator tried to persuade Ilyushin and VASO to embark on a major interior and avionics improvement program for the type. Ilyushin and VASO understood the necessity to modify the airplane, but lacked the financial resources to do the job. VASO manufactures agricultural machines, cabin and motor boats, washing machines, vibration pumps, metal thermo bottles, silencers for cars, crane scales, etc.
Industrial enterprises encounter similar challenges as do their agribusiness counterparts.
Obsolete equipment hinders the production and prevents project development. Thus, while developing an investment project, a company has to begin with overhauling of the production facilities. Voronezh is the leading scientific center of the Black Earth Region. There are 15 institutes, universities, and academies. Over 60 research institutes and design bureaus create powerful scientific potential of the oblast.