Pyrkal, founded in 1874, is one of the oldest defense industries in Greece and the country's primary producer of ammunition and explosives. Throughout its history, it has been one of the largest Greek companies. Since its foundation, Pyrkal has played a crucial role as a supplier in all military conflicts faced by the nation and has been a well-established exporter to five continents.
Establishment and development
The company "Elliniko Pyritidopoieio A.E." (Greek Powder, Chemical, and Industrial Products) was founded in 1874, and "Maltsiniotis Brothers" (Cartridges and Metal Products) in 1887. In 1908, the two companies merged to resolve a rivalry over ammunition orders from the Greek state. This merger resulted in the formation of a new company called "Etairia (Ellinikou) Pyritidopoieiou kai Kalykopoieiou," with the initials EEPK or EPK (ΕΠΚ) — the acronym later used for Pyrkal. Internationally, it became known as the "Greek Powder and Cartridge Company" (GPCC) in English, and "Poudrerie et Cartoucherie Hellénique" (PCH) in French.
Starting with the production of 6.5×54mm Mannlicher–Schönauer ammunition for the Mannlicher–Schönauer rifle, the company expanded beyond ammunition and explosives to engage in a variety of additional activities. These included arms manufacturing—most notably the development of the advanced EPK machine gun just before Greece's entry into World War II—as well as the construction of machinery (including diesel engines), vehicle bodies, tools, factory infrastructure, boilers, and even aircraft, as it undertook constructions for the AEKKEA-RAAB company.