Kakhovka Plant for Rail Welding Equipment (KZESO) was established in 1959, during a period of rapid development in Ukraine’s railway infrastructure. Founded under the guidance of Boris Paton, the president of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, KZESO quickly became known as a leading manufacturer of rail welding machines. These machines have been used not only within the Soviet Union but across the globe, helping to modernize rail networks by enabling more efficient and durable rail connections, an essential factor for both safety and speed in railway transportation.
Under the leadership of Yaroslav Mikitin, in collaboration with the Paton Institute of Electric Welding, KZESO evolved into a top industrial hub in the region. Mikitin’s vision for technical innovation has placed KZESO at the forefront of global rail welding technology. His contributions have earned him the title Hero of Ukraine, and under his leadership, the company has received both national and international recognition.
Over a decade of collaboration with the Paton Institute, KZESO pioneered advancements in rail welding technology, including machines capable of welding with high precision, reducing the need for subsequent maintenance of the connections. These innovations were instrumental in major infrastructure projects such as high-speed rail lines, bridges, and tunnels. One of the groundbreaking developments was the introduction of pulsed welding, which significantly improved the quality of welded joints.
With the onset of military aggression from Russia and the subsequent occupation of parts of Ukraine, KZESO found itself in a combat zone. The occupation disrupted operations, forcing the company to seek alternative ways to continue production. This was a major challenge, but despite external and internal difficulties, Yaroslav Mikitin has fought to preserve the company's legacy and restart operations in safer locations.
In 2023, KZESO was successfully revived on a new production base in Kirovohrad Oblast, in the city of Oleksandriya. Production of modernized rail welding machines, meeting the latest international standards, resumed. Andriy Chernikov was appointed CEO, with Yaroslav Mikitin taking the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
Today, some of KZESO’s most popular machines include: - Stationary rail welding machine K1000/K1100 - Mobile container complex based on rail welding machine K1000/K1100 - Mobile container complex KSM based on the K922-1 rail welding machine - Mobile rail welding machine K1067 (for switches and metro lines) All KZESO rail welding machines comply with European safety standards (2014/30/EC, 2006/42/EC, 2014/35/EU), and the welding processes conform to EN 14587-1 and EN 14587-2 standards. The new production facilities also create opportunities for further innovation, with plans to expand exports to the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa, where Ukrainian rail welding equipment is in high demand. To reduce risks and optimize logistics, KZESO also launched a secondary production site in Slovakia, within the European Union.
We took the opportunity to speak to Yaroslav Mikitin at the latest InnoTrans 2024 trade fair to discuss the company’s history, technology, and global presence.
RM: Can you tell us about the origins of KZESO and the key milestones in your history?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: KZESO was founded during a period of significant industrial development in the Soviet Union. At the time, rail segments were connected with gaps that caused wear and tear on wagon wheels. To address this, the Paton Institute of Electric Welding developed flash-butt rail welding, which allowed for continuous rail tracks, improving the lifespan of railway infrastructure.
RM: How did this technology evolve over time?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: The first rail welding machine, the K155, was introduced in 1960. Since then, we’ve continually developed and modernized our machines, including models like the K3, K5, K900, and K921. These machines are not only vital in rail welding but have also played a significant role in welding large-diameter pipes for gas pipelines, with about 75% of such pipes worldwide produced using our welding systems.
RM: Who are your typical customers, and where are your machines used?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: Our machines are used by rail construction companies and infrastructure managers in over 102 countries. In the U.S., many railroads, including subway systems, use our welding machines. Our equipment is also employed in Germany, Australia, India, China, and throughout Europe.
RM: What kind of after-sales support do you provide?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: We offer comprehensive after-sales support globally. Our machines are extremely reliable—some have been operating for over 50 years. We provide regular maintenance and support through specialists trained at the Paton Institute, ensuring smooth operation for our clients.
RM: How has KZESO adapted during the conflict in Ukraine?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: The war has had a profound impact, with our main plant being partially destroyed. However, we’ve relocated production to new sites in Ukraine, Slovakia, and Spain, allowing us to continue operations despite the challenges.
RM: What is KZESO’s current production setup?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: Each of our three production facilities specializes in different aspects of production, and through international cooperation, we maintain the highest standards.
RM: Can you tell us more about your flagship products?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: Our flagship products include a wide range of rail welding machines—both mobile and stationary. We also offer machines specifically for tram rails and crossings. Each generation introduces new features, and we customize machines to meet specific customer needs.
RM: What is KZESO’s outlook for the future?
Yaroslav Mikitin, KZESO: We will continue strengthening our partnerships worldwide, focusing on high-quality products. Despite the difficulties we've faced, KZESO remains committed to leadership in the rail welding industry.
