site.btaBulgaria, Rheinmetall to Officially Launch Gunpowder Plant Project

The Bulgarian State and the German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will announce the launch of their project to build a gunpowder and ammunition plant on Tuesday at an official ceremony. The investment, worth nearly BGN 1 billion, is among the most significant in recent years and represents a key step in the modernization of Bulgaria’s defence industry.

The innovative plant for the production of gunpowder, 155-mm artillery shells, and modular charge systems will be implemented through a joint venture between Rheinmetall and the VMZ ordnance plant in Sopot, under a 51:49 partnership.

The agreement will be signed by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and the company’s Weapons and Ammunition Department Head Roman Kohne. On the Bulgarian side, the contract will be signed by VMZ Executive Director Ivan Getsov. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov will attend the ceremony.