Finnish military vehicle manufacturer PATRIA has awarded the CAVS 6x6 armour hull manufacturing certificate to SIA “EMJ metāls”, confirming the successful completion of the technology transfer process. The company has obtained the right to manufacture hulls of armoured vehicles independently without direct supervision of PATRIA specialists, certifying the quality of the manufactured products, which are assembled with other components without additional checks.

After the final audit, which verified that the technology transfer process had been successful, System specialist, welding, Ville Munukka, on behalf of PATRIA, awarded EMJ Metals a CAVS 6x6 armour hull manufacturing certificate, confirming the right to independently manufacture and paint 6x6 armour hulls in Latvia.

“Producing a hull to the highest standards is not a simple process, it involves meticulous metalworking, cutting and bending of welded parts and welding using the latest technology, including 3D measurement systems. After several years of hard work, we are proud to be PATRIA's supplier and to be able to manufacture and paint hulls locally, right here in Riga. On behalf of EMJ Metals, I would like to thank PATRIA for their support in this process!” Ēriks Altroks, Member of the Board of EMJ Metals.

To become an independent supplier of welded structures to PATRIA, EMJ Metāls has carried out a series of preparatory activities since 2019, with an investment of more than 3 million from company funds.

In addition, new metalworking equipment was purchased, specific quality monitoring procedures and competences were introduced, new employees were hired, as well as infrastructure was adapted and staff training was organised, during which EMJ Metāls employees spent 2 months in PATRIA's production plant in Finland. EMJ Metals currently employs several dozen people in the military production section.

“The knowledge and experience of our employees, thanks to the cooperation with PATRIA, allows us to strengthen our position and develop in the field of military production,” adds Ēriks Altroks.

EMJ Metals is the first Latvian company to have passed this level of quality testing and to have been granted permission to manufacture an armoured vehicle hull after the restoration of Latvia's independence. So far, EMJ Metals has produced and delivered dozens of hulls, which are intended not only for the Latvian army, but also for the armies of other NATO countries. This makes EMJ Metals kind of approved defence and military contractor.

The production and assembly of armoured personnel carriers on Latvian territory is an important element of national security, as it ensures shorter supply chains to produce military equipment and minimizes disruptions in the supply of components, the production of military equipment and delivery to the Latvian Armed Forces.