Casablanca – In a strategic move to bolster Stellantis’ production capabilities, German automotive supplier Benteler is gearing up to inaugurate a new manufacturing plant in Kenitra, Morocco. This initiative aligns with Stellantis’ ambitious plan to expand its operations and increase production capacity within the burgeoning automotive hub of Kenitra.

The forthcoming Benteler facility in Kenitra is positioned to play a key role in supplying essential components for Stellantis’ cutting-edge Vigo project. By assuming responsibilities previously handled in Spain, Benteler’s operations will encompass welding, pressing, chassis, and structural manufacturing, highlighting Morocco’s emergence as a vital link in the global automotive supply chain.

Stellantis’ investment strategy underscores the success of its existing Kenitra plant, inaugurated in June 2019 by King Mohammed VI. With a significant commitment exceeding $325 million, Stellantis aims to double the facility’s annual production capacity to 450,000 vehicles per year. This expansion represents a substantial economic boost for the region and also marks the introduction of new automotive offerings, including electric vehicles, into the market.

Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, sees the Kenitra facility as a crucial hub for the company’s operations across the Middle East and Africa, solidifying Stellantis’ global presence alongside existing centers in North America and Europe. The investment is set to create significant job opportunities, with the planned expansion expected to add 2,000 new jobs to the current workforce of 3,000 positions.

The decision to expand in Kenitra underscores investor confidence in Morocco’s rapidly developing automotive sector, which is outpacing growth rates in Europe. In 2022, the announcement of this substantial investment coincided with high-level discussions between Stellantis’ CEO and Morocco’s head of government, highlighting the country’s proactive efforts to facilitate foreign investment and promote the automotive industry’s pivotal role in Morocco’s economic development.

Stellantis’ commitment to Kenitra not only reflects market potential but also underscores the collaborative partnership between private enterprises and the Moroccan government, which has successfully streamlined investment procedures and cultivated an attractive business environment conducive to automotive manufacturing and innovation. This collaboration positions Morocco as an increasingly attractive destination for global automotive investments, solidifying its role in driving economic growth and industrial transformation in the region.