Latest news with #RyadMezzour
Zawya
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Stellantis invests $1.3bln in Morocco
Morocco has taken a new step in its industrial push with the inauguration of the expanded Stellantis plant in the Northwestern Kenitra city. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch headed the ceremony on Wednesday and described the project as part of the country's long-term ambition to grow a competitive, integrated, and value-driven economy. The €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) investment by the multi-national auto manufacturer includes €702 million ($792 million) dedicated to developing local suppliers. It will double the plant's production capacity and raise the local integration rate to 75 percent by 2030, Morocco's press said, citing a statement by the Netherland-based Company. The expansion is also set to create 3,100 direct jobs and strengthen Morocco's position as a key player in the global automotive industry. Akhannouch said the project reflects the goals of the New Investment Charter and Morocco´s industrial roadmap. Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour emphasized the scale of the achievement, saying Morocco now stands among the few countries with an annual automotive production capacity exceeding one million vehicles. He called the project a result of shared confidence between Morocco and Stellantis, and a sign of growing technological independence that offers skilled opportunities for young Moroccans. From its launch in 2016, the factory's production has progressed to reach 200,000 vehicles per year by the end of 2020, three years ahead of schedule. Stellantis plans to produce 350,000 engines annually at the site in two phases. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Ya Biladi
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Ya Biladi
Benteler Group begins construction of new automotive factory in Kénitra creating 400 jobs
On Tuesday, the Benteler Group officially launched construction of its new automotive factory in Kénitra, in the presence of Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, and Matthias Siemer, President of Benteler Automotive Components Europe. The facility, located in the Atlantic Free Zone of Kénitra, is expected to be operational by next year. It will include a 17,000-square-meter building on a nearly 50,000-square-meter plot, offering direct highway access and strong logistical connections to the Port of Tangier. Once production begins, Benteler plans to create approximately 400 jobs at the site, offering promising career opportunities for skilled and motivated candidates. The company is committed to equipping all employees for success through comprehensive training and continuous professional development. The Kénitra plant will manufacture a range of components, including front and rear bumpers, rear torsion beam axles, bumper cross-members, and suspension arms for a major automotive equipment manufacturer. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the factory will feature a 3,200-ton cold stamping press, multiple welding systems, a cathodic dip coating (CDP) line, and a 3D laser for precision component manufacturing. As part of its SMART FACTORIES initiative, Benteler will also integrate advanced Industry 4.0 technologies to accelerate its digital transformation. These include big data analytics, its smart production data platform, and various connectivity solutions enabling intelligent, data-driven operations. Benteler is a global enterprise serving clients in the automotive, energy, and mechanical engineering sectors. A specialist in metal processing, the group develops, manufactures, and distributes products, systems, and services focused on safety and innovation worldwide.
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Electric Vehicles: Morocco Inaugurates 40,000-Ton Lithium Battery Materials Plant
Rabat – COBCO announced the inauguration of the first lithium-ion material manufacturing unit on Wednesday in Jorf Lasfar. With a capacity of 40,000 tons, the project is part of the first investment phase in the company's industrial complex dedicated to Nickel, Manganese Cobalt-based cathode precursors. The materials are key components for electric vehicles, batteries, and stationary energy storage, a statement from COBCO said, noting that the materials are made of metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese. The Moroccan company, which is a strategic partnership between Al Mada and CNGR Advanced Materials, explained that the industrial platform spans more than 200 hectares. The company pledged that the project is a 'strategic milestone in the development of Morocco's clean technology industry.' 'This key step not only marks the launch of a pioneering project outside Asia but also catalyzes the emergence of a Moroccan ecosystem dedicated to the strategic battery industry targeting the MENA region, Europe, and the United States,' the statement reads, noting that the project strengthens Morocco's ambition to become a central player in global green technology value chains. The statement said the total investment for the project ultimately amounts to several billion dirhams, spreading across three complementary industrial projects. The COBCO production complex will include an annual capacity of 120,000 tons of Nickel Manganese Cobalt precursor production and 60,000 tonnes for Lithium-Iron Phosphate cathode production. COBCO pledges to continue to boost its activities to reinforce Morocco's industrial sovereignty and contribute to the consolidation of its automotive ecosystem in the context of the electric transition. The company is promising 5,000 jobs during the construction phase, with 1,800 direct skilled jobs and 1,800 indirect jobs created in the long term. The planned project comes as Morocco is aiming to increase its electric vehicle production capacity by 53%. Earlier this month, Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour said Morocco's goal is to increase production to reach 107,000 electric vehicles by the end of 2025. Morocco's overall automotive production stands at 700,000 vehicles, and by the end of the year, Morocco is expected to produce one million vehicles. The automotive sector is Morocco's first exporting industry. Between 2014 and 2018, the sector created at least 116,000 jobs. Tags: Automotive ExportsElectric Vehicle Battery
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Benteler Launches Construction of New Automotive Plant in Kenitra for 2026
Marrakech – German automotive supplier Benteler has officially begun construction of its new manufacturing facility in Kenitra. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday, attended by Morocco's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour, and Matthias Siemer, President of Benteler Automotive Components Europe. The company plans to invest several tens of millions of euros in this new production unit. Located in Kenitra's Atlantic Free Zone, the plant will be built on a 17,000-square-meter building situated on a 50,000-square-meter plot of land. The facility benefits from direct highway access and good connections to the Tangier-Med Port. 'We are delighted with Benteler's decision to invest in our country and create hundreds of new jobs in Kenitra,' stated Minister Mezzour. 'This project further strengthens the momentum of our automotive ecosystem, supported by a skilled workforce and a competitive industrial offering.' The minister noted that this development 'confirms Morocco's rise as a major industrial and technological platform and highlights the Kingdom's growing attractiveness to major global industrial players.' The new plant, scheduled to begin operations in 2026, will manufacture front and rear bumpers, torsion beam rear axles, collision reinforcement bars, and suspension arms for a major automotive manufacturer. The facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, including a 3,200-ton cold stamping press, various welding systems, a cathodic dip coating system, and a 3D laser for component production. Benteler plans to create more than 300 direct jobs at the Kenitra site, with the prospect of numerous additional indirect jobs throughout the local value chain. The company will implement comprehensive training programs and continuous development opportunities to ensure each employee contributes effectively to the company's success. Matthias Siemer pointed out Morocco's advantages: 'We are eager to open our new factory in Kenitra and strengthen our global presence. Morocco offers geographically significant assets: it's a modern country with a solid automotive industry, and its positioning and logistics infrastructure allow us to optimize our deliveries.' He added, 'Morocco also has a significant proportion of renewable energy, perfectly aligned with our sustainability ambitions.' To accelerate its digital transformation and enhance competitiveness, Benteler will integrate advanced Industry 4.0 technologies developed through its SMART FACTORIES initiative. These include big data analytics, the company's Smart Production Data platform, and various connectivity solutions for intelligent, data-driven operations. 'The Kenitra factory will be a smart facility from the start: it combines cutting-edge technologies and highly qualified teams to optimize efficiency and production,' explained Nissrine Braimi, Customer Line Director at Benteler Automotive Components. According to Siemer, the location choice aligns with the company's strategy: 'In accordance with our 'local-for-local' approach, we will produce close to our customers to ensure flexible and reliable delivery.' The investment is reported to total MAD 400 million ($40 million), with construction already underway on the site that offers strategic logistical advantages for serving automotive manufacturers. Read also: Tesla Officially Enters Moroccan Market with New Local Subsidiary Tags: Automotive Sector in MoroccoBenteler
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Morocco attracts 150 aerospace firms
Morocco is cementing its position as a global aerospace hub after attracting 150 companies operating factories nationwide and generating 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion) in annual revenue, a Moroccan Minister has said. Speaking to French newspaper 'Le Point' at the renowned Paris Air Show, Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour said these projects are concentrated in Casablanca, Tangier, Rabat and Fez In his comments, published by Morocco's newspapers, he said these enterprises provide full-time employment to 26,000 individuals and that their primary focus include producing fuselages, structural components, interior furnishings, and wiring systems. Mezzour also highlighted collaboration between national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and French aerospace giant Safran concerning the CFM engine. 'During French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Morocco last October, an agreement was signed extending the partnership to the next-generation CFM-Leap engine,' the Minister said. 'Morocco's competitive edge lies in its ability to handle advanced technology, with 23,000 engineers graduating annually, 400 of whom enter the aerospace field…production costs are competitive at €25 per hour, compared to €100-120 in Europe or the US,' he said. Looking ahead, the minister outlined ambitious plans: 'We will expand our offer to cabin fittings, landing gear manufacturing, and within ten years, we think we can offer a final assembly line for commercial aircraft.' He revealed that RAM is currently exploring the acquisition of the Airbus A220, a narrow-body jet well-suited for its European routes. 'A study is underway by RAM for procuring the Airbus A220, a small-to-medium range jet suited for its European network,' he said. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
