Latest news with #SMARTFACTORIES
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Benteler breaks ground on new Morocco automotive plant
Benteler has commenced the construction of its new automotive plant in Kenitra, Morocco. The company says it is poised to make a significant investment during the plant's ramp-up phase. This investment is expected to bolster the local economy by creating more than 300 direct employment opportunities and potentially more indirect ones. within the local ecosystem. Scheduled to begin production in 2026, the plant will manufacture key automotive components such as front and rear bumpers, crash struts, twist beam rear axles, and control arms for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The Kenitra plant will feature a 3,200-tonne cold stamping press, welding systems, a cathodic dip coating system (CDP), and a three-dimensional (3D) laser to produce the component. Benteler is set to advance its digital transformation by integrating Industry 4.0 technologies developed via its SMART FACTORIES initiative. This will involve the use of big data analytics, the smart production data platform, and various connectivity solutions. Benteler Automotive Components Europe president Matthias Siemer said: 'We can't wait to open our new plant in Kenitra and thereby further expand our global presence. Morocco offers us relevant locational advantages: It's a modern country with a strong automotive industry, plus the country's geography and infrastructure also allow us to optimize logistics. 'In addition, Morocco has a high proportion of renewable energy sources, which is ideally suited to our ambitions in the area of sustainability.' Situated within the Atlantic Free Zone, the Kenitra site is said to offer an ideal location for efficient, customer-oriented manufacturing. Benteler is constructing a 17,000m2 building on the approximately 50,000m2 site, which benefits from direct freeway access and connections to the port of Tangier, enhancing the plant's logistical capabilities. "Benteler breaks ground on new Morocco automotive plant" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Morocco World
2 days ago
- 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
