Kamensky Zavod

Kamensky Zavod arose beside the Kamenka, a tributary of the Iset, as Peter I sought to expand Russian iron production. Construction began in 1700. The blast furnace was charged on 8 October 1701 and yielded its first pig iron on 15 October, dates recorded in the Russian calendar then in use. Artillery production followed, connecting this new Ural works to the state's demand for weapons.

Getting metal from the furnace was only part of the task. The factory lacked experienced cannon founders and the equipment needed to finish their products. The Kolokolnikov brothers sent from Tyumen knew bell casting but had little experience with guns. In December 1701 the works nevertheless cast three cannon and two mortars. An official report explained that these pieces remained unbored and unfinished because the drilling shop and suitable tools were not ready. Officials appealed for skilled masters, while royal instructions called for local men to learn from specialists sent from Moscow. The early factory consequently grew through the difficult combination of new furnaces, transferred craft knowledge and military requirements.