Chrzanów

Fablok was a Polish company established in 1919 in Chrzanów, specializing in the production of railway rolling stock and machinery. Until 1945, Fablok manufactured numerous types of steam locomotives, both standard and narrow-gauge, as well as railcars and motor coaches. Before World War II, the company significantly expanded its offerings, exporting locomotives to countries such as Bulgaria, the Soviet Union, and Morocco. It is worth noting that in the 1930s, the design of the Pt31 steam locomotive was developed, which became the crowning achievement of Polish engineering capabilities. During World War II, Fablok was taken over by German enterprises and produced equipment for the German railways. After the war, from 1945 to 1991, the plant became a state-owned enterprise named the Feliks Dzierżyński Locomotive Factory, where many diesel and steam locomotives were manufactured. During this period, Fablok introduced various innovations, including modern electric and diesel locomotives. After 1991, the factory was transformed into a state treasury company, focusing on the production of steel structures and cranes. In 2009, various entities were merged to simplify the structure. Unfortunately, after long-standing financial difficulties, Fablok declared bankruptcy in 2013, and its assets were sold to the company "Martech-Plus." Fablok is an important part of Poland's railway industry history, and its engineering and manufacturing achievements had a significant impact on the development of transport in Poland.