Izhevsk Machinebuilding Plant or
IZHMASH (ИЖМАШ) is a weapons and motor vehicle manufacturer based in
Izhevsk, founded in 1807 at the decree of
Tsar Alexander I, and is now one of the largest corporations in its field. It manufactures the famous
Kalashnikov series of
assault rifle, along with a host of other Russian arms, including medium
cannons,
missiles, and
guided shells. Izhmash also produces other goods, such as motorcycles and cars. As of April 2012 the company was declared bankrupt. In November 2012, A proposal was made to merge Izhmash with
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (Izhmekh) under the new name "Kalashnikov". As of 13 August 2013, Izhmash and Izhevsk Mechanical Plant have been merged and formally renamed
Kalashnikov Concern.