"Shelter factories" in the Polish Army – a new stage in the construction of defence infrastructure
The Polish Army is introducing modern technology that can completely change the way military shelters, warehouses and engineering facilities are built. Military engineering units have begun training on the so-called "shelter factories" - mobile building systems known as UBM (Ultimate Building Machine), manufactured by the American company M.I.C. Industries.
These machines are capable of producing ready-made steel components on site, which are then combined into a variety of structures. In practice, this means that one day of work with this system is enough to produce and assemble a hall with an area of up to 900m².
Rapid construction and training of soldiers
Training in the operation of the new equipment is conducted at the training center in Łojewo, with the participation of soldiers from the 2. Engineering Regiment from Inowrocław and the 16. Airport Repair Battalion from Jarocin - units that were the first to receive one UBM machine each. The first systems arrived in August, and work on the construction of trial facilities is already underway.
As part of the training, soldiers in Łojewo are building a structure measuring 20 × 19 × 9 meters, set on a concrete foundation. After the exercises, the building will serve as a warehouse for UBM equipment. The experience gained during the project will be used to develop construction guidelines for other engineering units.
How does the "shelter factory" work?
The principle of operation of UBM is relatively simple and at the same time very effective. After the steel plate roll is mounted and the corresponding data is entered into the computer, the machine automatically shapes the structural components according to the parameters. These components are then combined into modules and assembled directly on site. According to the military, it takes only a few minutes to produce three such segments.
This technology not only enables rapid construction, but also reduces dependence on external contractors and procurement processes. This solution represents an important step towards greater autonomy and flexibility in the development of military infrastructure.
Support for the "East Shield" and research
The purchase and implementation of UBM systems is part of Polish's broader modernization initiative – the "Shield East" program – aimed at strengthening the defense infrastructure along the country's eastern border. However, the applications of UBM go beyond the front line. The Polish Armed Forces plan to use the system to expand logistics infrastructure throughout the country, build garages, hangars and warehouses.
The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces also emphasizes the potential of this technology in civilian applications. In crisis situations, UBM machines could be used to quickly build shelters for civilians, field hospitals, food distribution points or warehouses in disaster-stricken areas.
The Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw conducts tests on the strength of structures built using UBM technology. Three test facilities - one in Jarocin and two in Świętoszów - are being tested for resistance to firearm fire, explosions and drone attacks.
WAT is also preparing a comprehensive catalogue of projects and technical documentation for buildings built using UBM technology, which will form the basis for future, mass military use.
According to the General Staff, UBM technology will be permanently inscribed in the engineering resources of the Armed Forces. This is a solution that not only speeds up construction, but also increases the resilience and flexibility of the entire defense system.
Photo: MON
This article was prepared as part of the public task commissioned under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organizations 2018–2030: “Safe Poland of Tomorrow – strengthening the mission-driven activities of the Alioth Foundation.”
