Aeronautics: Hexcel expands Casablanca plant to meet growing demand of aerospace customers

Hexcel Corporation is expanding its manufacturing site in the Midparc Free Trade Zone in Casablanca to meet increased demand from aerospace customers for lightweight advanced composites.

A ground-breaking ceremony for the extension was held Tuesday in presence of minister of Industry & Trade Ryad Mezzour, Hexcel top managers and customers.

The expansion is expected to be completed in early 2023. The plant size will double to 24,000 square meters and employment will increase from 120 to 400 people.

The Casablanca facility was built as part of Hexcel’s worldwide investment to create a diversified and robust global supply chain to support aerospace customers’ growing demand for engineered core.

At the plant, Hexcel transforms lightweight honeycomb materials into engineered core parts to reinforce structures in the aerospace industry, particularly for aircraft, engine nacelles, and helicopter blades.

Moroccan Industry minister said: “Hexcel’s decision to strengthen its presence at Midparc reflects the resilience, competitiveness and worldwide reputation of the Moroccan aerospace platform”.

“We continue to support this project not only to help meet the growing demand for composite products but also to create more job opportunities for our youth and to further strengthen Morocco’s competitiveness through advanced technology and a decarbonized, circular industrial base,” added the minister.

Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President – Aerospace for Europe, MEA/AP & Industrial, said, “We are pleased to celebrate this milestone with our customers and with the local community. The increased demand for lightweight, aerodynamic, advanced composites is growing, and our customers including Safran, Airbus, Airbus Atlantic, Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems have shown confidence in our ability to meet that demand.”

He also praised the support of the Moroccan state and the skilled workforce, which have been real assets and drivers of the new investment in Hexcel site in Casablanca”.

The ground-breaking of the extension of the Hexcel plant marks the strong recovery of the aerospace sector in Morocco after the downturn caused by COVID-19. It also reflects a renewed confidence by Hexcel, a leader in advanced composite materials, in Morocco.