It deeply saddens me to write that Izhmash, which was founded over 200 years ago by Tsar Alexander I, has officially been renamed to Kalashnikov. The (Google Translated) press release is below …

Based on the decision of GC “Rostekhnadzor” JSC “NPO” Izhmash “renamed concern” Kalashnikov “. The corresponding entry on the state registration of changes included in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities.

All rights and obligations of the NGO “Izhmash” retain their power to JSC “Concern” Kalashnikov “, payment details, and postal address, TIN, BIN businesses remain unchanged.

Renaming a Izhmash Concern “Kalashnikov” is another step towards building on the basis of Izhevsk arms vertically integrated holding companies of small arms. In the future, the concern “Kalashnikov” will include OAO “IMZ” Vyatsko-Polyansky Machine Works “The Hammer” THREADS “Progress” KBAL them. L.N.Koshkina and other businesses rifle and ammunition industry. Presentation of the group is scheduled for 18-19 September 2013.

“Izhmash” – Russia’s largest producer of military automatic and sniper weapons, guided artillery shells, as well as a wide range of civilian products: shotguns, sporting rifles, machine tools and tool. The company was founded in 1807. Production of “Izhmash” is delivered in 27 countries, including the U.S., UK, Germany, Norway, Italy, Canada, Kazakhstan and Thailand.

State Corporation “Russian Technologies” (Rostekhnadzor) – Russian corporation, established in 2007 to promote the development, production and export of high-tech industrial products for civil and military purposes. It includes 663 organizations, of which at present is formed 8 holding companies in the military-industrial complex, a 5 – to civilian industries. Rostekhnadzor organization are located in 60 regions of the Russian Federation and deliver products to market more than 70 countries worldwide. Net income in 2011 amounted to 45.6 billion rubles, the tax payments to the budgets of all levels reach 100 billion rubles.

We knew it was going to happen, but that does not mean it hurts any less. Still, renaming it after thier most famous gun designer is a good move. The Kalashnikov name must be one of the most well known names throughout the world.

I would argue that Izhmash along with the original Springfield Armory were the two most influential, with regards to the shaping of world history, firearm manufactures ever. Springfield Armory opened in 1777, 31 years before Izhmash, and closed in 1968.

Thanks to Albi for the tip.