These huge buildings once belonged to the Avtomedtekhnik factory, which was established on the basis of a former royal factory. This enterprise in Penza has its history dating back to the times of Nicholas I. In 1858, merchant Sokolov founded a foundry and mechanical plant on the outskirts of the city, producing goods for household needs. Later, the factory passed to his children, and then to his grandchildren. By the end of the 19th century, it produced cast iron, equipment for mills and sawmills, fences, and much more. During World War I, Sokolov's factory was re-equipped for military needs, and workers began producing shells for the Likhonin-Dumezil mortar system, which were considered incredibly powerful for their time. One battery could destroy the enemy in just a few minutes. Additionally, the factory produced cavalry spurs and horseshoes. In 1917, after the October Revolution, a decree on the nationalization of industry was issued, and the enterprise came under Soviet control. The factory was renamed 'Red Plowman' and initially produced agricultural machinery, later starting to manufacture disinfection chambers and chemical equipment.