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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
