The Latvia’s company SIA “EMJ Metals” has achieved a pivotal milestone by obtaining the exclusive permit for independent production of Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier hulls for the Finnish military vehicle manufacturer, “Patria.” This achievement marks a watershed moment in the nation’s defense industry, heralding increased autonomy and self-reliance in military equipment production. The CAVS 6×6 armor hull manufacturing certificate, granted by “Patria,” underscores the successful completion of an intricate technology transfer process. This certification endows “EMJ Metals” with the authority to autonomously fabricate armored personnel carrier hulls without direct oversight from “Patria” specialists. The journey to attain independent supplier status commenced in 2019, marked by substantial investments exceeding three million euros from the company’s coffers. This initiative encompassed procuring state-of-the-art metalworking equipment, instituting meticulous quality monitoring protocols and skill sets, augmenting the workforce, and enhancing infrastructure.
The Patria 6×6 (Patria XA-300) is a six-wheeled armoured personnel carrier produced by the Finnish defence industry company Patria. Patria 6×6 is primarily designed for troop transport but can be configured for other roles as well. The basic platform can be tailored to meet varying user requirements by many optional features e.g. swimming system, winch, upgraded armour protection and diverse weapon systems. Available weapons range from machine gun up to 25/30 mm medium calibre direct fire weapon systems and Patria Nemo 120 mm turreted mortar system. In early 2020 Finland, Estonia and Latvia agreed a joint development programme for Common Armoured Vehicle Systems (CAVS) based on Patria 6×6. The programme remains open for other nations to join it. As a result of CAVS Programme, Latvia announced an order for over 200 vehicles. It is planned that from 2023 Patria 6×6 for needs of Latvian army will be fully produced in Cesis, Latvia with partial production starting in 2022.
EMJ Met?ls” employees underwent comprehensive training, including a rigorous two-month internship at “Patria’s” production plant in Finland. The collaboration with “Patria” has been pivotal in enriching the knowledge base and honing the skill sets of “EMJ Met?ls” personnel, thereby fortifying their position and fostering advancements in military production, emphasized Altrocks. As the trailblazing entity in Latvia post-independence to pass rigorous quality assessments for producing armored vehicle hulls, “EMJ Metals” has already delivered numerous hulls, catering not only to Latvia’s military but also meeting the requisites of other NATO countries. The domestic production and assembly of armored personnel carriers represent a pivotal pillar in Latvia’s national security architecture. This localization minimizes supply chain vulnerabilities, ensuring seamless production and uninterrupted supply of military equipment to the Latvian Armed Forces, thereby bolstering defense preparedness.
Established in 2010 as a sheet metal service center, SIA “EMJ Metals” has expanded its repertoire to encompass a full production cycle for defense industries, inclusive of on-site welding and painting facilities. “EMJ metal” is owned by “Amari Metall Nordosteuropa GmbH”, registered in Germany, but three US citizens – Richard Whiting Colburn, Keith Whiting Colburn and Grigor Carroll Colburn – are indicated as the true beneficiaries of the company. In 2022, the turnover of the company was 32.53 million euros, and the profit – 2.05 million euros. The certification granting independent production rights to “EMJ Met?ls” not only symbolizes a significant achievement for the company but also heralds a new chapter in Latvia’s journey towards self-sufficiency and resilience in military manufacturing, solidifying its position on the global defense stage.
