After 80 years, ZETOR is ending tractor production in Brno

Traditional agricultural machinery manufacturer ZETOR TRACTORS will cease tractor production at its Brno plant. However, the ZETOR brand will continue – its headquarters, research and development, sales, service operations and European distribution will remain in Brno.

The decision to end production will affect 33 jobs. The company will complete tractors currently in production and fulfil existing orders over the coming months, while the employees’ notice periods are expected to end by the close of 2026.

Production moves outside Europe

According to the company’s management, the main reason is the rising cost of manufacturing in Europe. ZETOR states that tractor production is significantly affected by the cost of materials, energy and labour. According to the company, material costs in India and China are 30–35% lower.

Future production will primarily build on the company’s existing cooperation in India, where a large proportion of ZETOR tractors intended for markets outside Europe have already been manufactured in recent years. The company is also exploring opportunities for manufacturing cooperation in China.

Development and headquarters remain in Brno

The end of production does not mean that the company is leaving the Czech Republic. Brno will remain the headquarters and centre of ZETOR’s global operations. The city will continue to host the development centre, sales, marketing, financial management, service operations and the distribution centre for tractors and spare parts serving the European market.

The Brno-based development team is currently working on two new tractor models that will be manufactured in India. One of them is also expected to be introduced to the European market in 2027.

The end of a significant industrial chapter

The first three ZETOR Z 25 tractors rolled off the production line at the Zbrojovka Brno factory on 15 March 1946. Over its history, the brand has produced more than 1.3 million tractors, exported to over 130 countries worldwide.

The current decision follows the restructuring launched in 2024, when in-house production of engines and transmissions in Brno was discontinued and the plant continued primarily with tractor assembly using components supplied by external manufacturers.