Lithuanian Engineers Transforming the Industry, Uniting 200 Million Workers

Based in Šiauliai, the engineering company Metal Production UAB, in collaboration with its partners, is at the forefront of advancing cutting-edge aquaculture technologies. These efforts not only lead to the development of alternative food and energy sources but also effectively mitigate the emission of carbon dioxide and other harmful substances. The company’s representatives take immense pride in their contribution to addressing global challenges within this rapidly expanding sector, and harbour aspirations for even broader horizons in their future endeavours.

Distinguished for its exceptional quality services

Metal Production UAB, established its operations in Šiauliai in 2012, and has swiftly positioned itself as a provider of premium engineering and mediation services across the Baltic and Scandinavian regions. The company specializes in the design and fabrication of custom equipment and structures, conducts scientific research to uphold their quality, offers engineer recruitment services, and provides expert consultation on engineering matters. Metal Production UAB is devoted to the development of the most advanced technologies in the marine industry.

The company’s growth and advancement have been both rapid and continuous, fostering a wealth of expertise and competencies, as well as a robust network of suppliers within the Baltic region. Over the span of a decade, Metal Production UAB has successfully executed more than 100 projects, garnering exceedingly positive customer feedback and evaluations.

Commencing its operations with a sole employee, the company has since expanded its team to encompass over ten dedicated professionals. Gediminas Tamošaitis, Head of Metal Production UAB, says that at first the company provided mediation services, and later it was decided to make a strategic shift towards specializing in the aquaculture and seaweed sectors. Today, Metal Production UAB takes pride in its subsidiary, Sirputis UAB, which markets devices engineered by their expert team..

“Our involvement spans every stage of production. Should the need arise for devices not available on the market, our engineers create and adapt them to suit the unique requirements,” G. Tamošaitis says about the activities of the company.

Developing the most advanced technologies

The Head of the company identifies synergy in collaboration with business partners and jointly formed consortia as the most significant success story. These initiatives enable Metal Production UAB to conduct scientific experiments, attract additional EU funds, and secure private investments. Over the span of nearly a decade of project involvement, the company has exported services and products amounting to 3.25 million euros. This sum includes funds acquired through mediation, as clients of the company have purchased services and products valued at 10 million euros from manufacturers in the Baltic region.

Tamošaitis is equally pleased with the successful implementation of new projects that have garnered substantial investor interest. “The Smart FDI program, developed in partnership, secured 3 million euros in EU funding and facilitated the engagement of investor Valinor AS, leading to the establishment of its brand in Lithuania. The goal of this project is to establish a universal, modular, automated technology for the harvesting and processing of seaweed,” explains G. Tamošaitis.

Another notable accomplishment for Metal Production UAB is the consortium agreement signed with Denmark’s Aarhus University and Pure Algae. This partnership has secured a budget of 1.5 million euros for the development of the ground-breaking technology, Valuefarm. The goal of the consortium is to employ 22 individuals, achieve sales totalling 40 million euros, and realize a net profit of 12 million euros by 2029.

“This innovative system will facilitate the cultivation of seaweed on land within bioreactors that utilize water from land-based fish farms. The automated technology will recycle nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon dioxide. Through an economic, modular approach, this system creates optimal conditions for more sustainable food production, enabling both seaweed cultivation and the purification of water from contaminants,” says the Head of Metal Production UAB.

Striving for global change

The interviewee highlights that one of the most satisfying aspects of implementing diverse projects is the chance to contribute to social and economic well-being through sustainable solutions. G. Tamošaitis emphasises that Metal Production UAB is committed to addressing global challenges by leveraging the oceans and the blue industry. “Our goal is to foster the development of alternative sources of food and energy by utilizing ocean water and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.”

The Head of Metal Production UAB points out that his company assumes the role of a catalyst for innovative developments. While leading the creation of a new technology, the company also collaborates with other firms when additional expertise is required. With over 200 partners, Metal Production UAB maintains ongoing collaborations, engaging them to provide production services for projects under its coordination.

Furthermore, the Head of the company says that through EU funds and private financial sources, the team endeavours to mitigate risks faced by investors and start-ups. Metal Production UAB actively supports beginning developers by not only designing engineering solutions but also assisting with already manufactured devices.

“We aspire to be an ecosystem that aids start-ups in their early stages. Our aim is to attract more funds for investment in their initiatives while also enabling start-ups to avail themselves of the services we offer,” G. Tamošaitis elaborates on the mutually beneficial approach.

Operating in a rapidly expanding industry

When asked about how Metal Production UAB maintains its competitiveness in the constantly evolving field of engineering, the interviewee attributes their success to the company’s engagement in the rapidly growing aquaculture sector. This sector is based on a high-tech industry that centres around products designed for ocean use or operation.

“The aquaculture sector is experiencing an annual growth rate of approximately 8 percent. With oceans covering 71 percent of the Earth’s surface and housing 66 percent of all life on our planet, the significance of the blue economy is remarkable, boasting a value of about $3 trillion and contributing to around 200 million jobs. If we were to compare the global blue economy with national economies, it would rank as the world’s seventh-largest.

Furthermore, the oceans serve as the largest carbon dioxide sinks and play a crucial role in providing essential sustenance for 3 billion people. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that this potential has yet to be fully harnessed,” says the Head of the engineering company.

The interviewee takes pride in the fact that his company is now recognized not only within Lithuania but also on an international level. He is frequently invited to participate in various conferences and association activities. Looking ahead, Metal Production UAB intends to maintain its course within the aquaculture and seaweed sectors. The company’s representatives are committed to active collaboration with international partners, forming new consortia, and fostering relationships with start-ups dedicated to addressing global challenges.

The company’s success is closely intertwined with its partners

Engineering professionals find joy not only in their individual accomplishments but also in the achievements of their partners. G. Tamošaitis emphasises that the company strives for long-term collaboration with clients that fosters mutual growth and the creation of substantial added value.

Over the course of their partnership with Metal Production UAB, clients have made significant investments. As an example, the interviewee mentions the company Arctic Seaweed AS, which attracted a very important investor, Orkla Ocean AS, which belongs to one of the leading groups of companies in Northern and Eastern Europe, Orkla ASA. It is well known for such brands as Möller’s fish oil, Laima and Kalev confectionery, and also manages several companies in Lithuania. Media outlets have featured the cutting-edge ocean technology of these partners, presenting the potential for carbon-free seaweed cultivation. Notably, the contributions of Metal Production UAB were highlighted in these articles and communications.

It is expected that in the future, seaweed will be widely used in new food product development within Orkla ASA production companies. This shift may extend to Lithuanian-developed products such as Suslavičiaus sauces and condiments. Consequently, sales are projected to rise, employment opportunities to expand, and Metal Production UAB to play a part in significant socio-economic transformations.

Additionally, Metal Production UAB acts as the coordinator of Rocket Cluster, an organization founded in 2016 that unites professionals from diverse engineering disciplines toward shared objectives. The cluster’s aim is to foster knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and skill combination to enhance competitiveness, facilitate large-scale projects, and provide clients with optimal solutions in ever-changing market dynamics.

According to G. Tamošaitis, engaging in cluster activities widens the company’s opportunities to participate in various association initiatives and leverage seasoned experts while supplementing their skills. “This cluster is based on collaboration and partnerships, generating a wealth of innovative ideas. Therefore, thanks to Rocket Cluster, both our partners and ourselves have gained more confidence in our capabilities,” states the Head of the company dedicated to developing advanced technologies.