Koch Industries, the Wichita-based petroleum company run by right-wing billionaire Charles Koch, has kept its Russia-based operations going despite Corporate America’s mass exodus from the country amid Russia’s devastating invasion of Ukraine.
According to Popular Information, the conglomerate owns a number of Russia-based subsidiaries. Notable among them is Guardian Industries, an Auburn Hills, Michigan-based manufacturer of industrial glass and other products. The subsidiary reportedly runs two Russia-based facilities in Ryazan and Rostov.
Earlier this month, Guardian suggested that operations could not come to a halt despite the Russia incursion.
“Guardian Industries continues to closely monitor the tumultuous events in Eastern Europe, supporting our employees who are affected,” a company spokesperson told USGlass Magazine. “The health and safety of our employees and all personnel working at our facilities is our first priority.”
Electronic components manufacturer Molex, another Koch Industries subsidiary, offers its products through a “network of third-party distributors across Russia,” as Popular Information reported.
Two letters released by Molex in February and March indicate that the company has no intention to suspend operations in Russia.
“Molex is monitoring […]
“Still, Koch Industries is not the only laggard. Companies like Halliburton, AbbVie, Bosch, Cargill, Subway, White & Case, Accor, and Amway have apparently refused to sever ties.”
If these corporations are in violation of sanctions the question becomes: What price will they pay? If the sanctions were written in such a way as to benefit certain corporations and penalized others the questions is: Why?