Automotive: German Benteler starts building plant in Morocco, a competitive industrial hub

The German Benteler group has launched construction works of its new automotive plant in Kenitra Atlantic Free zone. The new manufacturing facility will be built over 50,000 square meter site having direct access to the freeway and good connections to the port of Tangier in northern Morocco. It is expected to be operational in 2026.

At its new facility in Kenitra, Benteler will manufacture front and rear bumpers, twist beam rear axles, crash struts and control arms for a major OEM.

The plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including a 3,200-ton cold stamping press, various welding systems, a cathodic dip coating system (CDP) and a 3D laser for component production.

“Morocco is a modern country with a strong automotive industry. It geostrategic position and modern infrastructure allow us to optimize logistics,” says Matthias Siemer, President of Benteler Automotive Components Europe, during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Most importantly, “Morocco has a high proportion of renewable energy sources, which is ideally suited to our ambitions in the area of sustainability,” underlines Mr. Siemer.

For his part, Moroccan minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour says: “We welcome Benteler’s decision to invest in our country and create hundreds of new jobs in Kenitra”.

This project further strengthens the momentum of our automotive ecosystem, supported by a skilled workforce and a competitive industrial offering,” adds the minister.

The new plant confirms the status of Morocco as a major industrial and technological platform and shows the Kingdom’s increasing appeal to leading global industry players.