The UMM

[Lusitano]

UMM - Union of Metallurgy and Mining

The UMM is a Zoner company located on New Safeland, North West quadrant, Planet Erie, Pennsylvania.

When on 761 A.S. Zoners colonists landed planetside, and started to build the camps that later become cities, materials were need it to build all infrastructures, from buildings to defences from the wildlife, and to pay those materials, the mining resources of Erie were use. So miners mined, sold it, and brought materials, including steel and other alloys to local steel mills process.

It was difficult moments. Many died! By diseases or even attacks from Erie wildlife, where some creatures found that humans can be some good meals, and to some just snacks. But Zoners made it. And camps become cities and all was fine. Mining operations continued just like there are many, and all needed structures like the constant growth cities, so there were always work for the steel mills.

But another dificulty showed! Liberty! After all hard work was done, afraid of a gigantic Freeport so close their main system, and also greedy for Erie resources, the mighty Liberty Navy wanted to take Erie. Zoners said no, and even when some, mysteriously, become Liberty supporters, most of Zoners were willing to fight for their homes. Liberty didn't want a war, they knew that the Zoners would fight hard in space, and it would be on the ground that the the final battles. Even if they defeated the Zoners on space, on the gound, things would be dificult. During this time, things for the mining and even for all, become even more dificult. Small companies united to face the crisis, as also the steel mills. After the final agreement with Liberty, things become better and united they were strong so united they continued.

Untill one day, a very young man decided that, if the steel mills also worked a lot the mines, and the mines supllied with some materials, and paid others .. why not make just one company? And on 805 A.S., New Safeland, Marius founded made the Union of Metallurgy and Mining.

At the beginning, all work was the same untill one day, a new client from a distant mining outpost asked to repair some vehicles. Marius looked and thought, why not also making land vehicles? He knew what is been outside the safe of the city walls. it wasn't and still isn't easy, and any failure could be the last! So what he did was taking old designs, and improve it! Massive steel was replace by better alloys and even some new polimers, that gives a light weight and better protection. Also propulsion was improve! Electric engines on each wheel, powered by batteries and, if necessary, one or two h-fuel generators. With this, UMM, started to build high quality and reliable vehicles in which their users can rely on the most dificult places, and that is the most important. Many lifes were safe since then, and the sucess of UMM extened not only on new Safeland but to all North West Quadrant, but why not further? All Erie and .. all Sirius!

Now, the UMM has more than 1000 workers, from mining to metalwork to vehicles construction. With an average production of 10 vehicles per day, the high quality is always the first concern. This is not an mass production facility.