Casablanca – Martínez Otero, a Spanish luxury furniture manufacturer, is set to open its first factory outside Spain in Morocco, marking a significant step in the company’s international expansion. The new factory, located in the Benslimane region near Casablanca, represents an investment of approximately $2.4 million and aims to strengthen the company’s presence in Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean markets.

Strategic expansion into Africa

Headquartered in Galicia, Spain, Martínez Otero is renowned for its high-end carpentry and furniture, particularly in the hospitality, retail, and residential sectors. The decision to establish a factory in Morocco aligns with the company’s strategic plan to expand into the African continent, leveraging Morocco’s advantageous location and promising economic landscape.

The new production facility will not only cater to the growing demand in Africa but also serve as a crucial hub for the company’s operations in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. This move underscores Martínez Otero’s commitment to bringing its high-quality products closer to key markets while optimizing logistics and reducing delivery times.

State-of-the-art production facility

The factory in Benslimane will span 4,500 square meters and is designed to handle the complete manufacturing cycle for luxury furniture and interior carpentry. It will integrate various materials, including wood, metal, glass, stone, and upholstery, ensuring comprehensive production capabilities. The project is expected to generate over 60 job opportunities, contributing to local economic development.

The Spanish Development Finance Company (Cofides) has supported Martínez Otero in this endeavor, granting a loan of approximately $645,000 to facilitate the acquisition and installation of production machinery at the new facility. This collaboration marks the second time Cofides has partnered with Martínez Otero, having previously provided $4.5 million in 2021 to help the company navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A growing presence in international markets

Alejandro Valladares, president of Martínez Otero, emphasized the importance of this expansion for the company’s future growth. “Our internationalization plan is a fundamental pillar of our development strategy. This new factory will not only enhance our production capabilities but also create new opportunities for collaboration and market penetration,” he said.

Martínez Otero’s expansion into Morocco reflects its broader objective to increase its footprint in global markets. Currently, 70% of the company’s annual revenue, estimated at $86 million, comes from international projects in Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Africa. Notably, Morocco alone accounts for 12% of the company’s revenue over the past four years.

Future prospects

The establishment of the Benslimane factory represents a pivotal moment for Martínez Otero as it continues to reinforce its position as a leader in the luxury furniture industry. By investing in Morocco, the company not only enhances its global supply chain but also underscores its dedication to innovation and quality in the competitive world of high-end furniture manufacturing.

As the factory prepares to commence operations in February 2025, Martínez Otero is poised to meet the growing demands of its clientele across various continents, ensuring that its luxurious, custom-made furniture continues to set the benchmark in the industry.