A extremist increase in the production of small-caliber ammunition, 155 mm ammunition and another combat measures, as well as the independency of Poland from the import of natural materials essential for the production of ammunition – these are the closest plans of Mesko. The company that is part of the Polish Armed Forces Group is approaching the completion of “Project 400” and “Project 44,7” which will aid accomplish these objectives.
– These projects are a real breakthrough for our company, but besides for the full national defence industry. We have importantly accelerated the implementation of delayed investments of strategical importance – both in terms of expanding production capacity and gaining competences which Poland has not yet had – says Renata Gruszczyńska, president of the Management Board Mesko SA.
The sharp increase in production
"Project 400" is an investment implemented since 2019 and its cost is PLN 466.7 million. It includes the construction of more than 20 buildings in Skarżysko-Kamienna and Pionki, as well as the acquisition of more than 1000 small-, medium-, large-caliber ammunition and rockets, as well as the acquisition of competence in the field of multi-base powder production and self-incineration shells. The last 2 buildings built from zero in Skarżysko-Kamienna are presently receiving. It is simply a rocket hall and ammunition hall in which production will start this year. another buildings from task 400 have already been put into service.
In turn, the construction of part of the facilities intended for the manufacture of large caliber ammunition was completed in Pionki. In March of that year, a technology line was received in 1 of the halls, while receptions in the second building are planned until the end of the second 4th of 2025. The complete completion of all construction works under task 400 is planned for December 2025. The Mesko SA assumes that after the last facility, production of small-caliber ammunition will increase by 500 % compared to the current capabilities – to 250 million units per year, or 1 million ammunition units per day.
Independence and security
‘Project 44,7’ refers to investments that will enable Mansk to produce modified powder utilized in the process of producing ammunition of various calibers. The company belonging to the Polish Armed Forces Group already has competence to produce single-base drugs and partially modified single-base drugs. He is now preparing to launch multi-base drug production, which will take place in 2026.
In 2025 Mesko plans to hire about 220 fresh employees. Suppliers of machinery obtained from strategical investments already supply training for workers who will be liable for their future operation.
– The completion of the investment and the launch of modern technological lines in 2025 and 2026 will let Mesko SA to strengthen the position of 1 of the most modern ammunition and rocket production plants in Europe. On the 1 hand, the company will increase the volume production of 155 mm ammunition and another key combat measures, on the another hand, it will besides become an independent maker of energy components – says president Gruszczyńska and adds that so far it has remained completely beyond the scope of Polish industry.
All these changes in the company, according to Renata Gruszczyńska, will make Poland independent of the imports of natural materials essential for the production of ammunition from abroad markets, which will warrant safety of supply for the Polish Army.
Mesko SA is the largest maker of ammunition and anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles in Poland, specified as PPZR Piorun, PPK Spike and LSR Pirat. During a fresh visit to Mesko, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed with Belgian Minister of Defence letter of intent concerning the acquisition by Belgium of 200–300 Lightning. He besides announced that they were ongoing advanced work on Lightning 2. – The next good news will be in early June, about the millions of possibilities of armament plants in Skarżysko-Kamienna and all plants related to PGZ-et. We will talk about the production of ammunition, which is 1 of the key capabilities we want to develop," announced the head of the MON.
