GPO Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant is a unique diversified enterprise, producing a wide range of products. VZ is the largest producer of Topol-M, Bulava, Yars missiles, which form the basis of the Russian nuclear shield. In addition, machine tools, metal products, oil and gas equipment, various types of weapons and much more are manufactured here.
Historical reference
The Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant was founded by Count Shuvalov in 1759. The profile of the enterprise was the smelting of cast iron, steel and the subsequent manufacture of metal structures. Since 1773, most of the products were anchors for the Russian fleet. Nowadays, several anchors are installed on pedestals, becoming a symbol of the plant and the city of Votkinsk.
At the beginning of the 19th century, self-taught master Badayev developed the production of cast high-quality steel. Medical instruments, dies, cutting tools were made from it. In 1858, factory workers were instructed to assemble a frame for the famous spire of the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the order was honorably executed.
With the improvement of technology, productivity and quality of smelted metal increased. The 1871th became a breakthrough - this year the first open-hearth furnace in the Urals was launched at the Votkinsk plant. Over time, VMZ mastered the production of armored steel, which went to strengthen the sides of many Russian battleships.
From iron smelting to mechanical engineering
From the middle of the 19th century, the Votkinsk Engineering Plant began to produce sophisticated equipment, and above all, ships of various types. A total of 400 steamships, barges, and boats were set sail. The next step was the assembly of steam locomotives. Since the enterprise was not connected with the “big land” railway line, the finished locomotives rafted on giant barges, first along the small rivers Votka and Siva, then Kame and Volga.
The large-scale project for laying the Trans-Siberian Railway - a railway line through the Urals and Siberia - required a huge amount of metal for the manufacture of rails, sections, bridges. Votkinsk plant took up the installation of bridge structures. By 1916, the company became the leader in the total length of railway bridges.
Soviet period
In the civil war, the Votkinsk engineering plant was badly damaged. It took 6 years to restore it. The rebirth of the enterprise took place on 09.09.1925. First, agricultural equipment was manufactured in the updated workshops, and since 1930 - dredges for gold mining and steam excavators. In 1937, the VMZ was transferred to the production of military equipment - howitzers and anti-tank guns. More than 50,000 guns were delivered to the troops.
In the 50s, the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant began production of peaceful products. Machine tools, agricultural machinery, tower cranes, steam locomotives, locomobiles were manufactured at the enterprise in large quantities. Foundry was gradually curtailed, occupying large areas.
Rocket production
In 1957, the government ordered the deployment of missiles, including nuclear ones, at the plant. In 1960, after a series of modernizations, the OT 8K14 missile was developed, which made it possible to hit targets at a 300-kilometer distance. It was produced at the Votkinsk plant for 25 years and was widely exported.
OTR 9M76 became even more powerful, but during the "period of detente" between the USSR and the Western bloc it was destroyed in accordance with the INF Treaty. In 1977, the famous Oka missile was created, replacing the 8K14th model. In the 90s, VMZ launched the production of the tactical Tochka-U, which is still in use today.
Strategic missiles began to be launched in 1966. The first was the 15Zh45 (SS-20) based on the Pioneer mobile PGRK. A two-stage design made it possible to overcome 4500-5500 km, depending on the modification. The later Topol mobile complex with a range of 10,500 allowed to consolidate nuclear weapons parity between the USSR and NATO. An improved version of Topol-M is currently the basis of Russia's strategic security. Votkinsk plant annually produces several missiles for mobile and stationary systems.
The evolutionary development of the “Topol” family is the intercontinental RK “Yars” with divided parts. Its precise performance characteristics are classified. At the moment, the Barguzin BZHRK is being developed on the basis of Yars.
Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant: products
VSW produces a wide range of military and civilian products. It:
- Operational and tactical missiles for the RK Iskander-M.
- Ground-based nuclear ballistic missiles (BR) "Topol-M", "Yars".
- Sea-based BR Bulava.
- BR-based space rockets for satellite output.
- Metal-cutting machines and equipment.
- Equipment for oil and gas companies.
- Special equipment for nuclear energy.
- Metalwork.
Conclusion
The company for Russia is unique. This is the backbone of the country's military industry in terms of nuclear weapons production. President Putin, while at the factory in 2011, instructed to double the production of ballistic missiles. And there is no doubt that a reliable rear will be provided by the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant. Address: 427430, Udmurt Republic, Votkinsk, Dekabristov-8 street.