PONAR Wadowice History
DRIVING
THE INDUSTRY
FORWARD
FOR 60 YEARS
We deliver reliable oil hydraulics solutions—from actuators to complete drive and control systems. We design systems that ensure maximum efficiency and uninterrupted operational continuity for your equipment.
Six decades of market presence is an exceptional milestone, providing an opportunity to reflect on years of hard work, bold visions, and shared achievements built with passion by successive generations. Our journey began in 1965 with the establishment of the “WADIOS” Experimental Plant in Wadowice. Integrated into the PONAR Machine Tool Industry Association two years later, this centre initiated key work on implementing innovative manufacturing processes and producing prototype cutting tools for the machinery industry.
With the benefit of hindsight, the scale of this transformation is clear: a modest experimental enterprise has grown into a leading manufacturer of oil hydraulics, setting standards of quality and reliability. Today’s strong position of the brand, valued both in Poland and in international markets, is above all the merit of its people—Employees, Customers, and Business Partners. It is their knowledge, passion, and commitment that have enabled us to stand the test of time and build a history of which we are proud.
1965
Establishment of the WADIOS Experimental Plant
The history of the production plant in Wadowice dates back to 1965, when, by decision of the Minister of Heavy Industry, the “WADIOS” Experimental Plant was established. It operated under the management body known as the “PONAR Machine Tool Industry Association” and, from 1967 onwards, conducted implementation work regarding new manufacturing technologies within the machinery industry.
1967
Launch of Oil Hydraulic Component Production
The production of prototype, precision devices and cutting tools was launched. At that time, oil hydraulics components used in machine tools were manufactured in many other locations across the country, such as the Żywiec Machine Factory, Ponar-Jotes in Łódź, Ponar Tarnobrzeg, Ponar Pruszków, and others.
1974
Purchase and implementation of the MANNESMANN-REXROTH licence
An important milestone in the company’s history was the purchase of a licence enabling the production of hydraulic directional control valves and valves. In December 1974, a decision was taken to purchase a licence from the German company Mannesmann-Rexroth for the manufacture of fluid power hydraulic components rated for pressures up to 32 MPa. As early as the third quarter of 1975, production commenced on the basis of the new licence, the cost of which was paid off ahead of schedule, in early 1979, through the export of finished products to Rexroth.
1981
PONAR – Wadowice
In 1981, by decree of the Minister of the Machine Industry, the state-owned enterprise “Fabryka Elementów Obrabiarkowych Ponar – Wadowice” was established, with the aim of producing machine tool hydraulic components, actuators, and electro-hydraulic elements. Electrical control systems and hydraulic power units were also manufactured. The plant collaborated with mines as well as manufacturers of mining machinery and equipment, supplying its products primarily to heavy industry.
1994
Ponar-Wadowice SA Hydraulic Components Factory
The plant at ul. Wojska Polskiego 29 in Wadowice was included in the Mass Privatisation Programme, and a few years later it took part in the first ceremonial listing of “PONAR-WADOWICE” shares on the parallel market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. This opened a completely new chapter in the history of the facility and contributed to significant organisational, legal, and ownership changes.
2007
PONAR Silesia SA
In 2007, the company PONAR Silesia was established, specialising in the production of hydraulic systems. The firm was engaged in the design and manufacture of hydraulic power units and systems for various sectors and branches of industry. The machinery and equipment produced were created on the basis of new designs, developed in its own engineering offices or based on designs supplied by clients themselves.
PONAR Silesia also undertook the modernisation and overhaul of hydraulic systems and circuits in use at the time, both its own and those manufactured by other producers. The equipment produced was based on components made by PONAR’s Wadowice plant, which was engaged in the series production of fluid power hydraulic elements.
2010
The Establishment of PONAR Wadowice SA and Key Machinery Investments
The focus on the organic development of the Wadowice plant was strengthened upon its acquisition as an organised part of an enterprise by the company “Wadowickie Centrum Hydrauliki SA”, under which it acquired buildings, technical equipment, machinery, and transport vehicles, including the trade name “PONAR WADOWICE”. On 14 June 2010, the change of the company’s name to “Ponar Wadowice SA” was registered. Following the ownership changes in 2010 involving the purchase of the organised part of the enterprise by Wadowickie Centrum Hydrauliki SA, numerous investments in machinery were initiated, expanding it to include modern machining centres, among other equipment.
2016
PONAR Lubań in the structures of the Group
In 2016, PONAR Lubań—a manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders—was acquired. Established in 2005, the company produced piston and plunger hydraulic cylinders. PONAR Lubań also provides services related to the repair and refurbishment of the cylinders it manufactures.
All manufactured hydraulic cylinders undergo rigorous quality control and pressure testing for leaks. Despite its relatively short time on the market, PONAR Lubań possesses extensive experience in the hydraulics industry, largely thanks to a highly specialised team with many years of experience in the production of hydraulic cylinders.
2017
Merger of the both Companies
On 9 January 2017, PONAR Wadowice S.A. and PONAR Silesia merged under the single brand “PONAR Wadowice S.A.”. From that point onwards, both companies became a single entity pursuing common interests. The consolidation of the companies contributed to the optimisation of plant operations, enabling their structure to be modified in such a way as to streamline the production process, inventory levels, and other matters affecting quality and customer service.
2024
Creation of PONAR Defence brand
In 2024, in response to growing demand for specialised solutions in the defence industry, the company created a new brand, PONAR Defence, which was officially presented during the 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce. At this trade fair, we showcased a range of innovative solutions, including hydropneumatic suspension arms for tracked vehicles and cylinders with a special coating. The creation of the new brand represented a strategic step for the company towards further technological development.
2025
ZAP Mechanika
In 2025, the PONAR Wadowice Group was strengthened by the acquisition of ZAP Mechanika Sp. z o.o., a manufacturer of precision components from Ostrów Wielkopolski. The combination of the companies’ competencies increased their technological and manufacturing potential, bringing the PONAR Wadowice Group closer to executing more comprehensive projects for both domestic and foreign industry.
2025
PK MIL
PK MIL S.A. is a Polish-Ukrainian joint venture company headquartered in Poland (EU), established by PONAR Wadowice S.A. (a 51% stake), a leading Polish manufacturer of hydraulic systems and components, and the Kramatorsk Heavy Duty Machine Tool Building Plant (a 49% stake), a renowned Ukrainian manufacturer of heavy machinery and defence solutions.
2026
CASP Systems
Acquisition of a 51% stake in CASP System. On 24 April 2026, PONAR Wadowice S.A. signed an agreement to acquire a 51% stake in CASP System sp. z o.o., one of the largest Polish companies specialising in the design and manufacture of non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment, which enables product quality to be verified without interfering with their structure, functionality, or technical condition.