SKOPJE (NORTH MACEDONIA). With a population of just 1.8 million, North Macedonia stands as an unlikely but essential player in supporting NATO and Ukraine’s defence efforts.
Producing 800 rounds of ammunition every minute, this small country is making a significant impact as the world nears the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
Following an ancient Roman road out of Skopje, through the rugged mountains and villages of North Macedonia, lies ATS Ammunition, a factory that seamlessly blends history, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology.
Amidst scenic landscapes dotted with beehives and mushroom farms, this facility is Europe’s only ammunition factory capable of producing everything in-house: casings, primers, projectiles, and even the machines and technology that manufacture them. Though the powder is sourced from the U.S. and Europe, every other component is designed, engineered, and produced on-site by North Macedonians. The factory’s workforce includes toolmakers, mechanical engineers, quality assurance specialists, and ballistics experts all united in a mission to meet NATO standards.
The site’s origins date back to 1820 when it served as an iron foundry forging swords and knives.
Over the years, it evolved, eventually becoming Suvenir Samokov, a Yugoslavian ammunition factory producing 9 mm and 7.62 mm rounds.
By 2018, the factory faced closure, with hundreds of jobs at risk. But in 2019, ATS Group—a North Macedonian company with roots in textile manufacturing and ballistics —acquired the facility, envisioning a future in ammunition production.
This vision aligned perfectly with North Macedonia’s accession to NATO in March 2020, enabling the factory to supply NATO-standard ammunition in 9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and 12.7mm calibres.
Today, ATS Ammunition spans over 300,000 square feet, boasting state-of-the-art equipment alongside relics of its past.
Since 2019, ATS Group has invested over 60 million euro to redesign and digitise its production lines, creating a one-stop shop for ammunition manufacturing. This includes bespoke, in-house machinery designed by ATS Technology’s team of engineers.
Currently, the factory produces approximately 220 million rounds annually, with the potential to double its output to 1,600 rounds per minute as demand increases.
By 2025, six new lines will bolster production capacity, while the workforce -already 300 strong – is set to grow to 450. Notably, 80% of the staff are women.
ATS Ammunition’s commitment to its workforce extends beyond competitive wages.
Employees receive health insurance, pension contributions, and travel allowances, with bus services running three times a day to transport workers from 54 villages. For those coming from farther afield, on-site accommodation is available.
The company also invests in the next generation through partnerships with Skopje-based schools and technical colleges, sponsoring and training 20 students annually.
Nurturing and developing in-house talent is a pivotal part of ATS Group’s development plan. Through initiatives with Skopje based high-schools and technical colleges the company is sponsoring and training around 20 students per year to join the company across its textiles, technology and ammunition divisions.
While the factory’s primary output is ammunition, its dedication to rigorous quality control sets it apart as a benchmark in precision and reliability. Every- half hours, meticulous checks are performed on each operation, all calibres, covering critical parameters such as density, humidity, temperature, range testing, and tooling accuracy.
These evaluations are conducted concurrently to ensure that every round meets the highest standards of safety and performance.
Beyond ammunition-specific quality checks, the factory upholds comprehensive environmental controls.
Twice annually, assessments are conducted to monitor air, noise, and water pollution, ensuring the facility operates sustainably and responsibly. This unwavering commitment to quality underscores ATS Ammunition’s reputation for excellence and reliability in every aspect of its operations.
ATS’s ambition doesn’t stop at North Macedonia.
With – projects in different parts of the world and plans to expand into the U.K. and U.S., the company aims to solidify its role as a global leader in ammunition manufacturing while transforming the economic prospects of its employees and region.
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