Aeronautics: US Hexel Corp. expands operations in Morocco

Hexcel Corporation, a leading advanced composites company, has decided to double the size of its facility in Casablanca, Morocco, to meet increasing demand due to a growing success of its operations in the North African Kingdom.

The Casablanca facility started production in 2018. It transforms lightweight honeycomb materials into engineered core parts to reinforce structures in the aerospace industry, particularly for aircraft, engine nacelles, and helicopter blades.

With this newest expansion to be completed in early 2023, Hexcel will double the plant’s size to 24,000 square meters. Currently, Hexcel employs 120 people at the site and plans to increase employment to about 400 people after the expansion is completed.

The expansion will include the installation of solar panels to reduce future reliance on non-sustainable energy sources.

Hexcel President, Thierry Merlot said: “Today, Hexcel confirmed its decision to invest in Morocco, like many players in the aerospace sector such as our Midparc neighbors and customers including Stelia Aerospace (Airbus), Safran, and Spirit AeroSystems. Key factors in our decision to expand the Casablanca site included the highly skilled workforce in the area, support from the state, and proximity to our customers.”

For his part, Moroccan Minister of Industry Moulay Hafid Elalamy said, “The new investment gives confidence in Morocco’s dynamic aeronautics sector and its role in creating a carbon-free global economy. We are very proud to continue the journey together.”

“Hexcel’s decision to expand its current site confirms the success of its investment in Morocco,” commented Hamid Benbrahim El Andaloussi, President of Midparc.