Zelenodolsk factory closure leaves hundreds jobless, workers anxious

In Zelenodolsk, the closure of the machine-building plant (ZМZ) is in full swing, where 400 residents work. Although its parent company KMPO did not disclose the reasons for this decision to 116.RU, employees (including former ones) have detailed what is happening. We also specially came to Zelenodolsk to see the current situation at the plant.

Former workers of the Zelenodolsk Machine-Building Plant openly shared when the team was informed about the production closure, how people received this news, where they will now have to work, and when the enterprise will finally cease operations.

It is worth noting that not all workers agreed to talk with our correspondent, even despite their negative attitude towards the plant«s closure. The fact is that some employees are still continuing to work at the plant — until… (more on that later).

The Zelenodolsk Machine-Building Plant is a branch of the Kazan Engine-Building Production Association (KMPO). It was built in 1980–1985 against the backdrop of increased demand for converted engines. Now, it is engaged in the design and full-scale production of gas pumping units, gas turbine power plants, automatic gas distribution stations, their individual components, blocks, and various metal structures.

‘There is no reduction’

We reconstruct the chronology of events. Workers learned about the liquidation of the plant and the upcoming reduction in staff back in October 2025 (recall, this information came out to the public only in December). According to our interlocutor Alina (name changed, she asked not to specify her position: she worked at the enterprise for 10 years, and was on maternity leave in the last year), similar rumors were circulating among colleagues shortly before, but no one understood if it was true.

On October 30, the rumors were confirmed: employees received notifications of termination of employment contracts. On December 30, Alina was already fired, and her work book states: ‘The employment contract was terminated due to the liquidation of the organization.’

‘We notify you of the upcoming termination of the employment contract. Upon dismissal, in accordance with Article 178 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, you will be paid a severance package in the amount of the average monthly salary,’ was written in the notification.

However, according to our interlocutor, part of the employees remained to work at the plant — Alina assumes that there are about 100 of them. They continue to work in Zelenodolsk, but are listed on the staff of KMPO — this is the parent enterprise of ZМZ.

‘There was no such thing as offering to stay. That is, a list came of how many people to leave, what number and what positions. So, they fired us due to liquidation, there is no reduction. I«m a bit upset that I was supposed to be on maternity leave longer. Now, I»m registering at the employment exchange to get these other 2 payments. Of course, it«s not 100% sure that they will pay me,’ she noted.

Now, according to unconfirmed information from former employees, the plant is not being closed yet due to the need to fulfill an existing order. Preliminary deadlines, according to our interlocutors, for the final liquidation of the enterprise are spring-summer. March is even mentioned.

‘Going their own way’

A man also shared emotions with the 116.RU correspondent, whose father worked at the enterprise for over 40 years and, as he claims, was a distinguished worker of KMPO. Andrei (name changed) said that the plant«s territory is planned to be sold to private owners.

‘The dismissed employees are going their own way. According to the workers, one workshop will be left, and everything else will be sold off. Management will be moved to Kazan. 50% were fired, a few were offered jobs at KMPO in Kazan. Management was also reduced by 30%, there are no personnel left. No offers came to my father, he is still working, approximately until summer,’ said Andrei.

According to him, KMPO invited specialists in narrow fields, for example, turner-borers. He also added that the equipment is being prepared for transportation.

Where to work now?

In Zelenodolsk, there are still several large plants where one can get a job. HR specialists are even contacting ZМZ workers in comments under posts about the plant«s closure. What the salary is there is unknown.

‘The personnel center of the Zelenodolsk district is ready to hold a job fair for employees who are planned to be laid off. With each of them, POZiS and the Gorky Plant are ready to conduct interviews for employment at their enterprises. There are enough offers from employers in Zelenodolsk,’ was written in comments in local publics.

‘Come to Gorky (the Gorky Shipbuilding Plant. — Ed.) as trainees. We will help, we will train,’ wrote, apparently, one of the enterprise«s employees.

Alina does not yet know where she wants to get a job: now she is busy with child chores, but notes that it was very convenient to work at ZМZ, and now she is in an ‘unclear state.’ The father of our second interlocutor also has not yet decided on a choice.

‘Dad has 4 years to pension, he is very upset, worried. After all, he devoted 42 years to the profession. Nevertheless, even with his merits, he will soon be left without a job, and he will have to look for another. Most likely, all the dismissed will look for work in Kazan, since the salary is nothing,’ assumed Andrei.

Alina also added that many of her colleagues got jobs at the Gorky Plant, and some went to work in shops.

‘Of course, people have loans, mortgages, they need to live somehow. Where there is work, they go there. And those who can«t find anything at all turn to the exchange, to the employment center,’ she added.

Situation at ZМZ

The 116.RU correspondent herself saw that work is still bustling at the plant. On a weekday, there were almost no free spaces in the employee parking lot, and a shift bus stood at the checkpoint. What is happening inside the enterprise — behind the fence — we cannot tell: it is impossible to get onto the territory just like that. Nevertheless, we took several photos for you from the spot.

At the time of publication, no response had been received from the KMPO press service. At the Ministry of Land and Property Relations of Tatarstan, the 116.RU correspondent was informed that they do not have information. The press service of the Zelenodolsk district also could not add information.

Recall that the issue of closure was raised at a deputy session in Zelenodolsk in mid-December. District head Mikhail Afanasyev spoke against the reorganization. Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov instructed to create a special commission and prepare solution options.

Residents also spoke out against the reorganization — they called the situation a ‘mess’ and imagined how now the dismissed workers will have to travel daily to work in Kazan.