Revival of Arsenal Reșița plant in Romania to boost local ammunition production.

The S.C. Arsenal ordnance factory in Reșița, Romania, is set to resume operations after being inactive for 15 years, with plans to reopen its ammunition and artillery systems manufacturing facility by the end of the year. This reactivation is supported by foreign investment, primarily from Torman International, a British company based in Dubai, which has agreed to fund the reopening in several phases.
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The Romanian М1981 152mm towed howitzers, replicas of the Soviet D-20 howitzers, have been observed for the first time in service with Ukrainian artillery units (Picture source: Ukrainian Armed Forces)

Local media sources reported that the contract to restart production at the Reșița plant was signed on April 4th between S.C. Arsenal Reșița S.A.—a subsidiary of the Romanian arms manufacturer ROMARM S.A.—and a representative from Torman International in Romania.

The first phase of the factory's revival will occur over the next six months, involving a recovery process and the hiring of 75 new employees to add to the current staff of 32. The initial production focus will be on 152-mm artillery shells.

As the production of projectiles begins, the workforce is expected to grow to between 200 and 300 employees. Plans are in place to significantly increase this number as production capacity expands. S.C. Arsenal Reșița S.A. also plans to eventually restore its production of artillery systems, which was a major focus of the company before its closure.

Romanian officials have emphasized that the components and raw materials needed for artillery shell production will be sourced from local suppliers. Originally established in 1972 as Arsenal Reșița, the plant was a significant producer of artillery systems and shells for the Romanian military, accounting for over 60% of such production at its peak. The factory received its last order in 2008 and subsequently suspended operations.

The reopening of this facility is viewed as a strategic move to enhance the capabilities of local ammunition production, considered vital for regional stability and security, particularly with ongoing security assurances for Ukraine.

Defense News April 2024