♦ Ordnance Factories Day is observed every year on March 18 in India to honour the Ordnance Factory Board’s (OFB) important contributions to the country’s defence requirements.

♦ The day celebrates to honour the founding of the Ordnance Factory in Cossipore, Kolkata.

♦ In 1801, a Gun Carriage Agency at Cossipore, Kolkata (presently known as Gun & Shell Factory, Cossipore) was established and production started on 18th March 1802.

♦ This is the first Industrial establishment of Ordnance Factories which has continued its existence till date.