Japan Tobacco International launches construction of its first green factory in Tetouan Park

Japan Tobacco International launched, on Friday July 19, the construction of its new factory in the Tetouan Park industrial zone, within the Tanger Med industrial platform, to consolidate its presence on the African continent.

After creating a regional cluster for North and West Africa, based in Casablanca, which includes the company’s activities in 13 African countries, the Japanese multinational in the tobacco sector (JTI) renewed its confidence in Morocco’s potential by launching the construction works of the new manufacturing unit in Tetouan.

This project, requiring an investment of $92 million (931.2 million dirhams), marks a new milestone in JTI’s development in Morocco and Africa.

The new factory, whose construction begins in August 2024, will be equipped with the most advanced technologies to become a model Green Factory, emphasized Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in a statement.

The new factory, to be built on a 4.7-hectare site, will adopt energy efficiency measures such as the use of LED lighting and automated management systems for lighting, air conditioning, and heating. A rainwater collection and water recycling system will also be implemented to meet the non-potable water needs of the factory.

With these strategic steps, Japan Tobacco International seeks to develop a more important part of its activities in Africa; given the facilities, infrastructure and human resources offered by the continent as well as the demand.

The director of the Regional Investment Centre of the Tanger Tetouan Al Hoceima region, Jalal Benhayoun, stressed the importance of the establishment of the company in the northern region in terms of jobs creation.

“With a total investment of over 931 million dirhams, the Japanese company will contribute efficiently to the productive dynamism of the TTA region, which has become an attractive industrial pole both nationally and internationally,” added Benhayoun, noting that “carrying out this project in Tetouan reflects the confidence of the multinational in the modern and optimal infrastructure of the region”.

“JTI Tetouan is one of the first projects to benefit from the advantages of the New Investment Charter launched by Morocco” Jalal Benhayoun said, praising the efforts made by the regional authorities and the contribution of Tangier Med to the launch of the construction of this production unit in the northern area.

For his part, the vice-president and general manager of JTI North and West Africa, José Luis Amador, expressed his satisfaction with the conditions of reception of the company in Morocco, especially the facilities offered by the authorities to make the project a reality in the city of Tetouan.

Amador praised the Kingdom’s economic policy that seeks to attract and promote foreign investments in the different territories of the country, encouraging multinational companies to settle and launch their activities in the national industrial zones.

Director of Public Affairs at the company, Loubna Saber, highlighted that “JTI is a company that is committed from Morocco not only to production but also to sustainability, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection, through the gender approach and the integration of women in the labor market and the implementation of the company’s green commitment.”

At full capacity, this facility will create 170 direct jobs and several dozen indirect jobs, both on-site and off-site in the region.

“In its commitment to women and youth, JTI Tetouan will generate 170 direct jobs and 50 indirect jobs with a wage bill of 30% for women,’ explained Loubna Saber.

“The empowerment and accompaniment of women in order to achieve income-generating activities on the one hand and the improvement of employability of young people in the area with 10% of inexperienced employees on the other hand is one of the social missions undertaken by the Japanese multinational company in Morocco,” JTI representative said.

The initial annual production capacity of the factory is planned to meet the needs of the domestic market. This capacity can be increased to respond to export opportunities.

JTI is thus consolidating its presence and sustainable investment in Africa with its activity in the North African country through NATC (North Africa Tobacco Company).

The company has been present in Morocco since 2011, when it established in Casablanca its headquarters for all its activities in North and West Africa, serving no fewer than 13 markets.

JTI is an international tobacco company that markets its brands in more than 130 countries around the world, with a wide range of traditional and low-risk products.