The economic development of the country, its independence largely depends on the complex of industrial enterprises. If a plant has been producing demanded products of the defense complex for several centuries and, besides this, is constantly mastering new technologies, then its importance cannot be evaluated only by financial indicators. For several centuries, the St. Petersburg Machine-Building Plant Arsenal has been producing strategic military products, and now it is manufacturing equipment for the space industry and does not neglect civilian needs.
The brainchild of Peter I
The Arsenal Machine-Building Plant OJSC (St. Petersburg) was founded by Peter I more than three hundred years ago. It was then called the “Cannon Foundry”, and from that moment the history of artillery weapons in Russia began. In addition to cannon guns, ammunition and shells were cast at the enterprise. Weapons were required to strengthen Russian positions at sea, it was unprofitable to acquire foreign ones, but building our own foundry promised great prospects, which were fully justified.
For several centuries, the company has accumulated vast experience in the production of not only weapons. To carry out work that requires an individual approach, special accuracy and ingenuity, experts from the Arsenal Health Ministry were called upon. To the memorable event - the capture of Berlin - in 1760, the foundry masters created a timpani chariot designed by B. Rastrelli. It was intended for the ceremonial removal of the victorious banner and traveled more than one kilometer of the front. Richly decorated with gold, sculptures with a unique design by a brilliant architect, it is a striking exhibit exhibited at the Military History Museum of Artillery. Bells cast in the foundry were famous all over the world; they can still be heard in existing temples, for example, on Athos.
High tech
Since its founding, the Arsenal machine-building plant has been a leader in its industry, throughout its entire existence it has been at the forefront in terms of equipment, technology and the quality of its products. During the war years 1941-1945, despite the blockade, the plant continued to work, supplying the city’s defenders with weapons. New technologies came to the plant during the reconstruction period: in the 60s of the last century, Arsenals began to produce equipment for the space industry.
Today OJSC “Arsenal Machine-Building Plant” is a high-tech enterprise that produces demanded products for its country and foreign customers.
Nuclear development for space
At the end of the sixties of the last century, the need arose to create the first spacecraft capable of conducting space reconnaissance activities and carrying out the indication of targets at sea. This task was entrusted to specialists of such an enterprise as the Arsenal Engineering Plant. In a short time, the plant underwent reconstruction and launched lines for the production of multi-purpose spacecraft. The issue amounted to more than seventy pieces of equipment.
Since the eighties, the company has mastered the production of spacecraft with a nuclear power plant. The development and production of a unique facility secured the plant's world leadership in the use of nuclear energy in outer space. In the same period, several more technological innovations were created that became progressive innovations for spacecraft and satellites. In the development of innovative technologies and the production of machinery, the Arsenal Engineering Plant relies on the scientific and working personnel of its enterprise.
Devices for observation
In the 1980s and 90s, Arsenal launched the production of capsules, the main task of which is the prompt delivery of photographic material from near-earth orbit. Currently, the plant is developing new types of space technology. At the development stage is a spacecraft designed for radiophysical studies of the surface of our planet.
Also mastered is the production technology of the apparatus, which makes it possible to scan, conduct round-the-clock observations and monitor the state of ice cover in the Arctic and Antarctic. The same device will make it possible to observe the surface covered with dense vegetation, and will allow you to find minerals.
Directions of production for space
The company conducts a lot of research aimed at creating the best devices. They are produced by the Arsenal Engineering Plant.
The production of space technology is developing in the following areas:
- ICRC devices (marine space reconnaissance and target designation).
- The device "Cobalt" (designed to monitor the earth's surface with detailed photography).
- A descent capsule (delivers experimental results, photographing materials from orbit).
- Steering gears for space orbital launch vehicles.
Installations for the Navy
The enterprise has mastered not only the production of space technology. Launchers for anti-aircraft missile systems were first manufactured at the facilities of MZ Arsenal. The company received an order for the manufacture of artillery equipment during the Second World War, when the country urgently needed to restore the lost fleet during the first hostilities, as well as to strengthen the presence of the Soviet fleet in the oceans.
In the postwar years, based on the experience gained, the Arsenal machine-building plant in laboratories and in production developed and produced more than 20 modifications of launchers for the fleet, as well as anti-aircraft missile systems for the Navy. In addition to supplies for the domestic military industry, the company imports equipment to countries such as Algeria, Indonesia, China, India and many others.
Range of artillery products:
- Artillery mounts of several modifications (AK-100, -130, -176M; A-192, -220M, -190 (in two versions)).
- Launchers (ZIF-122, -121-02).
- Multiple launch rocket launchers (MS-73M, -227).
- Devices for supplying and storage of depth charges in specialized installations (RBU-6000, -1000).
Civilian products
Over the past few years, not only space technology production has been carried out at MZ Arsenal. Cryogenic technology is also one of the achievements of the enterprise. The subsidiary of the plant produces civilian products. The assortment includes:
- Cryogenic equipment. MZ Arsenal is the only domestic enterprise producing a cryogenic plant for the production of high-quality liquid nitrogen. The equipment is used in the oil refining and gas industries, in medical institutions, in the food industry, in the agrochemical complex.
- Twin screw extruders. They are used in the food industry, where they are used to make dumplings, sweet rolls, cereal from cereals and much more. In agriculture, extruder plants produce compound feed for livestock, pet food.
- Water purification equipment (sludge scrapers). The project was developed jointly with the services of the St. Petersburg Vodokanal.
- Compressor stations for various purposes (modular, mine, electric, diesel).
Working conditions
No matter how good the technique, the main achievements are made by people. This is a resource that allows you to achieve goals, make plans. The company employs about 1,700 people. The machine-building plant Arsenal (St. Petersburg) values employees. The personnel department of the company promises a decent salary, good working conditions, material incentives in the form of bonuses, surcharges, lifting.
Arsenal MZ is competitive on the labor market with government orders for military and space technology, as well as a large portfolio of foreign contracts. Students and young people with no experience can get offers to work at the enterprise. Leisure does not go unnoticed, preferential accommodation at the factory recreation center is provided, if you wish, you can get an education in a specialized university at the expense of the company Arsenal Machine-Building Plant OJSC.
Employee Reviews
Employee reviews can hardly be called enthusiastic or extremely positive. Most agree that after the sale of the enterprise in 2011, the situation deteriorated sharply. An outflow of qualified personnel is observed, and the incompetence of senior management is especially actively discussed. Many note frequent deliberate violations of the Labor Code, wage cuts.
The labor collective, the opportunity to gain work experience on a student's bench are positively evaluated. Timely payroll is also noted. Many employees consider the experience at the enterprise invaluable. The level of qualifications obtained allows subsequently to easily find a job by profile at any enterprise in the country.