PJSC Motovilikha Plants / Motovilikhinskiye Zavody PAO (MOTZ, MOTZ.MM) (Russian: Мотовилихинские заводы; MCX: MOTZ) is a Russian metallurgical and military equipment manufacturer. In 2016 Motovilikha Plants joined NPO Splav, a Rostec company.[4] It is named after the former town of Motovilikha, where it's located, which in 1938 was amalgamated into the city of Perm. The town in turn was named after the eponymous river, a small Kama tributary.
History
Motovilikha Plants in 1917
The origins of the plant can be traced back to the year 1736, when Empress Anna issued a decree to establish a smelter with the purpose of producing steel. This steel was specifically intended to be used in nearby factories that were operational during that time. The main objective was to supply steel blocks that would be utilized in the manufacturing of rifles and guns.[1] As the 18th century drew to a close, the production of weapons commenced in the village of Motovilikha as a response to the growing demand.[1] These guns manufactured in Motovilikha played a significant role in various conflicts that Russia participated in during the first half of the 19th century, including the infamous Napoleonic Wars and the Crimean War.[1]
During the latter part of the 19th century, there was a growing push to introduce industrial manufacturing practices in Russia. This endeavor culminated in the year 1871, when all the metal smelters and weapons workshops in the area were merged into one centralized facility situated in the city of Perm.[1]
The plant launched the first steamship in the Urals, in 1871, and the first steam locomotive the following year. In 1893, Nikolay Slavyanov, an exceptional individual working at the plant, revolutionized the welding industry by introducing shielded metal arc welding. In 1914, the factory had reached a level of production where they were responsible for manufacturing every third cannon that was being produced in Russia. During the early Soviet era, the factories were utilized for the production of a diverse array of machinery, encompassing machine tools, cranes, and construction equipment. Following the onset of World War II, the factory reverted back to manufacturing heavy weaponry, prioritizing the production of civilian equipment only once the war had concluded.[1]
The year 2011 marked the establishment of a state-of-the-art production line for artillery at the plant. However, things took a turn for the worse in March 2018,[5] when bankruptcy proceedings were initiated against the company. Consequently, the company was forced to delist from the stock market, thereby undergoing a significant setback.[6]
