Uralvagonzavod turns 90, recalling its transformation into a T-34 production centre

Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil marks its 90th anniversary on October 11. The plant began building railway wagons in 1936 before becoming a major T-34 tank producer during the Second World War.

Kharkiv's Tank Plant No. 183 and other factories were evacuated to the site in autumn 1941. Workers installed machinery while accommodation was being prepared for new arrivals. The first 25 tanks were sent to the front in December, assembled from components brought from Kharkiv.

Isaac Zaltsman took charge of production in early 1942, with Yuri Maksarev becoming chief engineer. Maksarev subsequently returned as director. According to Lenta.ru's historical account, the plant produced 5,684 T-34s that year.

An important technical change was automatic submerged-arc welding developed by Yevgeny Paton and his institute. Together with production-line methods, it helped the factory increase output.

Workers faced long shifts and shortages of housing and food. Women and teenagers replaced adults who had left for the front. The plant later helped equip the Ural Volunteer Tank Corps.

Alexander Morozov's design bureau developed a new turret for the T-34 with an 85-millimetre gun. After the war, wagon production resumed alongside tank work. The anniversary dates from the first wagons leaving the assembly line on October 11, 1936.