The Almaz-Antey group, through its Obukhov Plant JSC, has publicly discussed the possibility of producing BAZ tractors at the former Toyota facility in St. Petersburg. This information came via Mikhail Podvyaznikov, the general director of the Obukhov Plant and deputy general director of the Almaz-Antey concern, as reported by RIA Novosti. He noted that the site could be used to assemble such vehicles, pointing out that the Toyota plant already offers a highly modern production environment. The move would not only keep jobs in the region but also sustain the current production load that the Toyota factory has been handling, according to Podvyaznikov. This would enable a smooth transition for workers and suppliers who are already integrated into the plant’s ecosystem, minimizing disruption while the new project scales up.
Industry observers are watching closely as the plan involves a phased introduction of the new tractor line. Podvyaznikov explained that initial steps would focus on certification and adaptation of the existing production line to accommodate BAZ tractors, with the certification phase expected to occur within a year. Once certified, the plant could begin limited production, followed by a ramp-up to the target output. The objective outlined by the Obukhov Plant leadership is to reach an annual production volume of about two thousand tractors, a level deemed sufficient to meet demand while supporting local employment and regional industry ties. The approach emphasizes leveraging the plant’s established logistics, supply chains, and skilled workforce, which are critical to achieving consistent quality and timely delivery for customers.
Additionally, the former Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has publicly showcased the new BAZ-S36A11 tractor via the Telegram channel. The tractor represents the culmination of design and engineering efforts conducted at the Obukhov Plant’s Engineering Center, a unit within the Almaz-Antey family of companies. This development underscores the broader strategic objective to expand the portfolio of heavy-duty vehicles and robust industrial equipment produced under the Almaz-Antey umbrella, aligning with national priorities for domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance. The introduction of the BAZ-S36A11 reflects continued collaboration between design centers, production facilities, and government agencies to advance automotive and heavy machinery capabilities in the region. The project highlights ongoing modernization, skills development, and the repurposing of existing industrial footprints to support new product lines and export potential.
In summary, the plan to repurpose the St Petersburg site for BAZ tractor production signals a multi-faceted strategy: preserving skilled employment, utilizing a modern manufacturing base, and expanding the domestic tractor catalog with a model designed to meet rugged performance standards. The initiative also demonstrates the practical synergy between Almaz-Antey’s engineering expertise and Russia’s industrial policy aims, as the Obukhov Plant positions itself to deliver a new generation of tractors that blend proven engineering with contemporary production practices. The timeline remains anchored in a steady certification process, followed by scaled manufacturing, with downstream effects expected to ripple through suppliers, logistics networks, and regional economic activity. Attribution for these developments is provided by the official statements from the Obukhov Plant leadership and the public briefings of the Almaz-Antey group, as reported by RIA Novosti and the Ministry’s communications channel.