Krasnyy Ekskavator Machine-Building Plant

The Krasnyy Ekskavator Machine-Building Plant (Russian: Завод «Красный экскаватор», Ukrainian: Завод «Червоний екскаватор») was a manufacturer of agricultural, mining and construction machinery based in Kyiv. Initially founded in the era of the Russian Empire as a branch of Austro-Hungarian Škoda Works, later reorganised into the Filvert and Dedina Seeder Plant, the plant was nationalised by the Government of the Soviet Union. Following Ukrainian independence, the plant came under the PJSC ATEK "Aktsionerne Ekskavator" organisation, but would struggle to continue operations, declaring bankruptcy in 2012.

In 1889 a representative office of the Austro-Hungarian Škoda Works was opened in Kiev by Vaclav Filvert and Frantisek Dedina for the manufacture and import of mechanical equipment from the Kingdom of Bohemia. In 1898, the office was reorganised into the Filvert and Dedina Seeder Plant.^[1] A factory was built along the Brest-Liytovske highway for the construction of agricultural equipment.^[2] The first technical director of the plant was Antonin Veska of Jičín. By 1910, over seven thousand seed drills had been produced. The plant expanded into the production of traction engines and threshing machines. By now, the number of employees at the plant had increased to six-hundred.

As a result of booming production, a decision was made to expand manufacturing facilities to Svyatoshin, on the former territory of Galgany Farm, with close access to the cities rail network. Construction was complete in 1911. From 1911 until the start of the First World War, Filvert and Dedina saw steady sales both domestically, as well as export sales to Germany, Austria-Hungary as well as the Balkans.^[3][4] In 1913, the company showcased a number of products including seeders, threshers and traction engines at the All-Russian Exhibition held in Kiev.^[5]

With the onset of World War I, and hostilities between the Russia and Austria-Hungary, Vaclav Filvert left Kiev for Prague, and was never able to return. Frantisek Dedina, an ardent monarchist and supporter of Tsar Nicholas II, threw his support behind the Russian backed Czechoslovak Legion. Following the Bolshevik takeover of Kyiv, Dedina would also return to Prague.

In 1918, the factory was nationalised by the new Soviet government, receiving the new name Red Ploughman, continuing to produce agricultural equipment. From 1934, Red Ploughman began the production of SSSM-750 (MK II) excavators.^[6][7] In 1935, the plant was once again renamed Red Excavator.

With the onset of Operation Barbarossa in World War II, the factory was evacuated to Tyumen, east of the Ural Mountains.^[8] The enterprise was collocated with the Tyumen Machine Tool Plant. Following the Battle of Kiev (1943), restoration of plant began under the direction of Jopseh Karakis, completing in 1953.^[9]

Following the war, a number of excavators, concrete mixers, loaders and trailers were produced at the plant. Demand significantly increased in the post-war era, due to rapid advancements in Soviet agricultural industry. In 1966, the plant was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour.^[10]

In 1974, the plant entered into a production association with the Borodyanka Excavator Plant (Later known as Borex), Galich Excavator Plant and the Saransk Excavator Plant.^[11]

By 1980, the main products of the plant were excavators. Production of combine harvesters, and other harvesting equipment and accessories were also produced.

• Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1966)

50°27′16″N 30°23′34″E / 50.454498°N 30.392915°E / 50.454498; 30.392915