Slovak Unit of Czechoslovak Group Opens New Automated Ammo Production Line

Czechoslovak Group's Slovak unit has inaugurated a new automated line for large-caliber ammunition production at VOP Novaky, spurred by heightened demand due to the Ukraine war. The investment, valued at 10 million euros, aims to fill shells of various calibers while boosting workforce and revenue.

A Slovak unit of the Czech defence industry company Czechoslovak Group (CSG) on Friday opened a new automated line for producing large-calibre ammunition as demand grows amid the war in neighbouring Ukraine, the company said.

The new line at the VOP Novaky plant, built with an investment of 10 million euros, will be filling shells with 81mm mortar to 120mm tank and 122mm D-30 howitzer ammunition.

Slovakia announced it would halt official military aid to Ukraine when the new government led by Robert Fico took power last October. However, it said it would not prevent commercial activity, and the CSG investment exemplifies the Slovak ammunition business's growth amid rising war demand.

CSG is a crucial supplier of large-calibre ammunition to Ukraine, often via intermediary countries purchasing ammunition and transporting it to Ukraine. Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinak attended the ceremony to open the new line on Friday.

VOP Novaky's chief executive, Zuzana Helbichova, announced at a briefing that the company would increase its staff to over 300 this year, up from 100 in 2022. According to news agency TASR, the new line could fill 100,000 rounds per year.

The company said it expects this year's revenue to more than double from 2023, reaching 280 million euros. Besides VOP Novaky, CSG owns another ammunition company in Slovakia, ZVS, as well as 14.Oktobar in Serbia and FM Granada in Spain.

(With inputs from agencies.)