Boeing to build excellence engineering center in Morocco
The Moroccan government and Boeing signed a partnership agreement to set up an African Center for Manufacturing Excellence (ACME), as the North African Kingdom seeks more technology transfer to develop its fast growing aerospace sector.
The deal was signed at the opening of the Marrakech Air Show which brings together 200 exhibitors from different aerospace industries as well as 100 delegations from some 80 countries.
The agreement was signed by the industry, defense and investment ministers as well as the UM6P University and Boeing.
Moroccan firm NTS Technics was chosen as an engineering partner.
Supported by Boeing, NTS Technics aims to achieve Level 3 design certification and become an approved engineering supplier for Boeing.
The project is part of an industrial compensation agreement signed on February 8, 2023, between Boeing, the National Defense Administration, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The agreement aims to enhance the Moroccan aerospace ecosystem through innovation and excellence, and to strengthen Moroccan engineering capabilities.
Boeing has also committed to becoming a founding member of ACME, which will be part of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and located in Nouaceur, Morocco.
“Investing in Morocco’s future and establishing a strong aerospace footprint for future generations is at the heart of this alliance,” said Ryad Mezzour. “We are excited to expand our partnership with Boeing to make the Moroccan industry a globally recognized leader in aerospace innovation and excellence.”
ACME will be the first R&D center in Africa with the “Boeing label” and will operate as a consortium model, collaborating with companies from various sectors to develop R&D, propose innovative solutions, and create added value for its members.
The center will bring together academic and industrial partners to work on innovative technological solutions for its clients and partners, positioning Morocco as a key player in advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, and new materials.
Some 147 aerospace plants are operating in Morocco, supplying global giants such as Boeing, Safran, and Airbus.
