The Vilnius branch of VNIITE, Lithuania [Sąjunginis techninės estetikos mokslinio tyrimo institutas Vilniaus filialas]

A regional branch of VNIITE, the All-Union Scientific Research Institute for Technical Aesthetics, was opened in Vilnius in 1966. With ten such branches across the Soviet Union, this was the only one located in the Baltic republics. The Vilnius branch of VNIITE was particularly focused on precision engineering, electronics, and the urban environment. The projects done by its designers included technical machinery, public interiors, and consumer products. One of the most successful products was the Hand Dryer Model No. 5, which was produced for export. In general, hand dryers were one of the most popular industrial objects developed in the Vilnius branch of VNIITE. The first order was for 300,000 units, with similarly large orders to follow. VNIITE also contributed to the development and dissemination of design theory by holding a number of conferences, as well as publishing information and guidelines on the practical application of various innovations and regulations.