Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinák witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement between EURENCO and ZVS holding to establish a joint venture and build a new manufacturing plant for Modular Artillery Charge Systems (MACS) in Strážske, eastern Slovakia. This strategic project, representing an investment of approximately €300 million, aims to address a critical bottleneck in European artillery ammunition production.
The initiative builds upon the 2024 revitalisation of the former Chemko Strážske facility by MSM GROUP and is designed to create a modern, high-output production line. The new plant is scheduled to begin operations in 2028, with an annual target of several hundred thousand modular propellant charge systems. Beyond significantly boosting production capacity, the project is expected to create hundreds of skilled jobs and strengthen the Slovak defence industry’s strategic self-sufficiency.
“This is another step towards achieving annual production volumes exceeding one million rounds of large-calibre ammunition,” Minister Kalinák stated, emphasising the national and regional importance of the investment.
The partnership combines the strengths of key European defence players. ZVS holding, co-owned by the Slovak state through DMD Group and MSM GROUP (part of the CSG industrial group), brings established manufacturing infrastructure and regional expertise. EURENCO, a European leader in energetic materials, contributes its advanced technological know-how in producing MACS, a vital component for modern NATO artillery.
Currently, the limited availability of such propellant systems is a major factor constraining the ramp-up of artillery ammunition production across Europe. This new facility directly addresses that vulnerability by securing a sovereign European supply chain. It also aligns with CSG’s long-term strategy to control the production of critical components, reinforcing its position as a leading European ammunition manufacturer.
Jan Marinov, Director of CSG Defence Systems, highlighted the synergy: “The combination of EURENCO’s technological expertise and the industrial strength of CSG will enable us to build a modern production facility that contributes to supply chain stability.”
Echoing this sentiment, EURENCO CEO Thierry Francou framed the venture as a major leap for European sovereignty. “By combining EURENCO expertise with CSG and ZVS holding, we are building a modern and agile production capacity essential to meet today’s security challenges,” he said. The project not only expands Europe’s industrial base but also solidifies EURENCO’s role as a strategic pillar in supporting the European Union’s defence autonomy.
