The ultramodern ammunition factory in várpalota is inaugurated

One of Europe's most modern ammunition factories was handed over during a ceremony at the 400-hectare industrial park in Várpalota. The Düsseldorf-based technology company Rheinmetall has thus officially begun the takeover of the 30 mm ammunition factory in Várpalota. The ammunition factory was built by a consortium of ZÁÉV Zrt. and KÉSZ Építő és Szerelő Zrt. (a member of the KÉSZ group's general construction consortium).

Present at the handover ceremony were Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, and Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, Károly Kontrát, Member of Parliament of the region, and M Márta Campanari-Talabér, Mayor of Várpalota.

Production starts in the autumn

The plant in várpalota produces ammunition for the Hungarian Defence Forces. It will also supply 30mm ammunition for the KF41 Lynx armoured fighting vehicles produced in Zalaegerszeg. Production will start in October 2024.
In his welcoming speech, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheimetall, said that the establishment of the ultramodern ammunition factory in várpalota is a symbol of their company's commitment to innovation and quality. The development will not only benefit the defence of Hungary and the company's international partners, but will also contribute to the economic development of the region.

New jobs were also created

Minister of National Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky in his speech stressed the strategic importance of the cooperation with Rheinmetall and underlined the joint efforts of the parties, which serve national security and defence interests.
The handover of the plant in várpalota will also create more than 200 new jobs, contributing to the development of the local economy. In addition, the Lynx armoured vehicle and further Lynx variants will contribute to the advancement of the Hungarian defence industry and the establishment of global security.

What happens between the walls? Watch the video

The foundation stone of the plant was laid in December 2022. The building reached its structural completion stage in September last year, which was commemorated with a topping-out ceremony in accordance with tradition. Our portal also reported on the most important milestones of the project. The Ministry of Defence's video provides a glimpse inside the factory walls.

Construction of the new ammunition factory is well under way

In early April, the foundation stone was also laid for the building at the Várpalota Defence Industry Complex that will manufacture 155-millimetre artillery ammunition. The main contractor for this project is ZÁÉV Építőipari Zrt., whilst the lead designer bim.GROUP, the Óbuda Group.

The project will

•  production building,
• seven bunkers complying with the NATO standard,
• a phosphating and painting building,
• as well as a social canteen and changing rooms.

The development includes the construction of 4 kilometres of internal road, 23 kilometres of utilities, 2.5 kilometres of power lines, two underground sprinkler tanks and a pumping station.