Fire Breaks Out at Bearing Factory in Kursk

A major fire has broken out at the Kursk bearing factory APZ-20, which has been undergoing modernization while fulfilling defense orders.

Local Telegram channels have shared footage of the fire.

Around 4:50 p.m., the fire was recorded on the factory grounds, quickly spreading over a large area. Firefighters, with 40 personnel and 13 units of equipment, are currently working to bring the blaze under control.

APZ-20 is renowned for producing bearings and various components for the agricultural, machine-building, and automotive industries. In the past, the factory also provided parts for defense contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

In 2025, the company faced financial difficulties, leading to plans for staff reductions and relocation of production. However, after intervention by local authorities, an agreement was reached to keep the factory in the region and restore its operations.

In late March, local governor Alexander Khinshtein announced that the factory was undergoing modernization and was in the process of moving new equipment, which was scheduled to be installed on the factory grounds in April.

According to available data, between 2021 and 2022, APZ-20 resumed production with military acceptance standards to fulfill orders for the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Specifically, the certification of the production of 208A ETU500 bearings was discussed, which are characterized by high wear resistance, vibration stability, and precision in the manufacturing of components.

These bearings can be used in the drive systems of armored vehicles, mechanisms of artillery systems, stabilization and control systems of aviation equipment, and more.