France’s Safran to expand aircraft parts plant in Morocco

French aerospace manufacturer Safran Electronics & Defense, a subsidiary of Safran Group, will spend MAD350 million ($37 million) to expand its aircraft component production plant in Morocco.

The industrial site in Nouaceur, near Casablanca, will add 15 production lines to meet the growing regional demand of the aerospace sector, Morocco’s industry and trade minister Ryad Mezzour said in a social media post.

The project will add 17,000 square metres to the existing facility and is expected to create 500 jobs over the next five years.

The expansion will support Safran’s continued growth and entry into new markets, building Morocco’s standing in the global aerospace industry, the minister said.

Safran’s Nouaceur site has an annual production output of 400,000 aircraft components, including actuators, flight computers and measurement systems, for major global aerospace manufacturers.

In the aviation sector, 142 businesses employ 17,000 people, producing an annual $2 billion in exports, Morocco’s Agency for Investment and Export Development said in July 2024.

European aerospace giant Airbus is expanding its production capacity at a composites plant in Nouaceur. By 2026, the site will make parts for 75 aircraft per month.

• Stellantis opens vehicle dismantling centre in Morocco
• Aviation workforce in Morocco to double by 2030
• Emirates-Safran deal targets aviation’s seat shortage