Shimco Secures Coveted Boeing Certificate to Supply Parts from Morocco

Rabat – Shimco, a Canadian aerospace company with facilities in both Morocco and Canada, officially received last week a certification from Boeing to manufacture laminated metal and composite specifications.

According to a statement from Shimco, the company has been working to secure the certification since 2021.

Labeled BMS7-335, the certification means that Shimco will now officially join Boeing’s Qualified Product List.

Under the new certification, the company will be able to supply laminated materials and fabricated parts to Boeing directly and to all of Boeing’s supply chain worldwide. The company intends to supply that material from both its Canadian and Moroccan factories.

The news comes two months after Shimco signed an agreement with Midparc, an integrated industrial platform in Morocco, to facilitate Shimco’s establishment in the free zone of Nouaceur, Casablanca.

Shimco initially committed to constructing a 1,300-square-meter production plant, with plans to double its capacity within the next three years and triple it within seven.

Establishing operations at Midparc offers a strategic opportunity, given the area’s expanding aerospace industry.

Morocco’s booming aeronautic industry

Morocco has in recent years made significant investments in its aerospace infrastructure, workforce development, and global partnerships, positioning itself as a world-class aviation hub.

The country’s favorable geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, combined with robust government support and incentives, has attracted major industry players such as Boeing and Airbus.

Morocco’s aerospace industry is attracting widespread acclaim, with wealth-oriented American magazine Forbes recently describing the country as “well-positioned” to become a leader in aerospace Manufacturing, maintenance, and operations.

In a special report on Morocco’s aviation industry in May last year, Forbes revealed that the country’s aerospace industry was rapidly emerging as a promising and lucrative sector, with a particular focus on aircraft maintenance services.

The strategic investment in the industry is part of Morocco’s broader effort to attract foreign investment and establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market.

Government support has been crucial to this development. Morocco has implemented numerous initiatives and incentives to lure foreign investors.

One notable example is the establishment of aerospace industry clusters like the Midparc Free Zone near Casablanca, which has become a cornerstone of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

A vital aspect of Morocco’s strategy is the development of a skilled workforce tailored to meet the demands of the aerospace sector. Institutions such as the Moroccan Aerospace Institute and various specialized training centers have been established to ensure a steady stream of highly skilled professionals.

The focus on education and training guarantees the industry’s sustainability and growth.

In addition, Morocco has forged strong partnerships with global aerospace giants like Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, and Safran. The collaborations have facilitated significant technology transfer and enhanced the overall competitiveness of Morocco’s aerospace sector.

Parallel to its manufacturing ambitions, Morocco has made impressive strides in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

Facilities such as the Technopark in Casablanca and Tangier Aerospace City exemplify Morocco’s commitment to providing top-notch environments for MRO operations. The hubs offer a highly-accommodating setting for operators to conduct maintenance services, further boosting the country’s aerospace credentials.

With its comprehensive approach to workforce development, technology adoption, and infrastructure improvement, Morocco is on a promising path to becoming a leader in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and operations.

The focus on aircraft maintenance services, in particular, presents a significant opportunity for companies looking to tap into the lucrative business prospects this sector offers.

The country is already reaping the fruits of the booming industry. At the end of 2023, aeronautic exports have reached an impressive MAD 21.8 billion

Morocco’s aeronautical ecosystem boasts about 142 companies. It generates approximately $2 billion in export revenue and employs 17,000 people. Around 40% of the workforce are women, the highest rate of female labor participation across the board.

Despite the pandemic causing a 29% decline in aerospace activity in 2020, the Moroccan rate was significantly better than the global drop of 50%.

Job losses in the sector were limited to 10% (around 1,500 jobs), compared to a global average of 40%.

Morocco has also secured two crucial Memoranda of Agreement to bolster its aerospace industry: one with Boeing in 2016 and another with Collins Aerospace in July 2022, both aimed at developing suppliers’ ecosystems within the country.