The Ursus tractor factory in Poland, which faced bankruptcy earlier this year, will not be shutting down but instead will embark on a new chapter: producing military equipment.
The announcement comes after the factory’s acquisition by MI Crow, a company connected to Ukrainian entrepreneur Oleh Krot, for 74 million zloty.
After months of uncertainty for its employees, Ursus has confirmed that it will pivot from manufacturing tractors to producing military technology. The decision marks a return to the company’s historical roots. Before World War II, Zaklady Mechaniczne Ursus manufactured military equipment, including tank engines, chassis, and components for the Sokol motorcycle used by the Polish Army.
According to Farmer.pl, the plant will no longer produce agricultural tractors but will instead focus on military vehicle manufacturing. The move aligns with a growing demand for defense equipment in light of the current geopolitical climate.
“This is a completely new chapter in the history of the legendary factory,” the new ownership declared, emphasizing plans to preserve existing jobs, recruit additional specialists, and expand production capacity.
The acquisition and repurposing of Ursus were spearheaded by Oleh Krot, who identified defense manufacturing as a strategic growth area. While Ursus is traditionally associated with agricultural machinery, its shift to military production is viewed as a timely and lucrative opportunity. The company aims to leverage Poland’s industrial infrastructure and strategic location to meet the rising demand for military hardware.
The transition of Ursus is part of a broader trend of Ukrainian enterprises establishing a footprint in Poland’s defense industry. Several Ukrainian companies already operate in Poland, producing reconnaissance drones, anti-tank missiles, and armored vehicles such as the Oncilla.
The move to military production reflects the increasing importance of defense manufacturing in Eastern Europe as the region strengthens its military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. For Ursus, this shift not only ensures the factory’s survival but also positions it as a key player in Poland’s defense sector.