Casablanca –  A significant partnership agreement was signed on Monday in Nouaceur between the integrated industrial platform Midparc and the Swedish group, Trelleborg, to establish a new manufacturing unit at MidParc specializing in aerospace sealing systems.

This pioneering project, requiring an investment of approximately $11.34 million USD, was formalized through an agreement signed by Midparc’s president, Hamid Benbrahim El Andaloussi, and Trelleborg Aerospace Business Unit’s president, Grodon Roper, in the esteemed presence of Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour. The facility will span an area of 7,800 m², featuring a 5,100 m² building, and is projected to generate between 150 and 200 direct jobs.

Specializing in technical polymer solutions, the Trelleborg Group was founded in 1905 in Sweden. It has 30 R&D centers and employs more than 15,600 people at more than 100 locations in 40 countries.

Minister Mezzour underscored the pivotal importance of this partnership agreement for advancing Morocco’s aerospace industry ecosystem. This marks the inaugural entry of a Swedish investor specializing in aerospace sealing systems into Morocco, noted the minister, highlighting its contribution to strengthening Morocco’s industrial competitiveness and fostering substantial local integration.

President Benbrahim El Andaloussi warmly welcomed the Trelleborg group to Midparc, emphasizing the innovative polymer techniques and technologies Trelleborg brings to enhance aircraft safety and durability.

Mr. Benbrahim El Andaloussi emphasized that this investment underscores the growing importance of Morocco’s aerospace base, positioning it as a pivotal player at Europe’s doorstep.

Mr. Roper expressed satisfaction in contributing to Morocco’s flourishing aerospace infrastructure, which has evolved uniquely over the past two decades. He emphasized that this new plant will strengthen Trelleborg’s position as a key supplier to major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Additionally, Mr. Roper emphasized the importance of supporting Safran, a partner that has already made substantial investments in the region.

During the initial quarter of 2024, Morocco’s aviation sector saw remarkable export growth, surpassing 5.8 billion dirhams (approximately $597.94 million USD), marking a notable 13.7% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

This growth was primarily fueled by a 20.3% surge in sales within the assembly segment, amounting to 3.82 billion dirhams (approximately $393.81 million USD), along with a 2.7% uptick in Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) sales, reaching around 1.95 billion dirhams ($201.03 million USD), according to the latest data from the Exchange Office’s monthly external trade indicators report.