Casablanca – Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, has unveiled plans for a substantial investment in Casablanca with the creation of Pratt & Whitney Maroc (PWM). This new entity will specialize in producing static and structural machined parts for various aircraft engines, showcasing the company’s strategic commitment to bolstering its global supply chain efficiency and manufacturing capabilities.
The decision to launch operations in Morocco stems from an extensive global benchmarking analysis. The country’s burgeoning aerospace sector, favorable economic climate, and abundance of skilled labor have positioned it as an ideal location for investment. With a projected investment of $73.7 million, Pratt & Whitney aims to capitalize on these advantages to maintain competitiveness and optimize asset utilization.
Maria Della Posta, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, underscored Morocco’s strategic advantages, stating, “Morocco offers three significant advantages for aerospace manufacturing: a highly skilled workforce, a stable economic environment, and robust government support. Pratt & Whitney Maroc will create 200 high-quality jobs by 2030. We eagerly anticipate becoming part of the vibrant business community in Casablanca’s Midparc free zone.”
Mr. Taoufiq Moucharraf, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasized the importance of this investment, remarking, “Morocco’s aerospace industry now hosts one of the key players in the global aerospace sector. This underscores our competitiveness and the quality of our human capital. This initiative will foster collaboration and innovation, enhancing our aerospace sector with cutting-edge activities.”
A representative from the Ministry of Investment, Convergence, and Policy Evaluation (MICEPP) added, “Pratt & Whitney’s investment will bolster our aerospace ecosystem by promoting innovation, research, and the development of new technologies. This project will create job opportunities for our youth, facilitate knowledge transfer, and foster collaboration between local and international stakeholders.”
The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 12,075 square meters, will be constructed using lean manufacturing principles and the CORE methodology. This approach aims to enhance efficiency and quality while reducing complexity and costs. The advanced manufacturing site is essential for Pratt & Whitney to meet the growing demand for its engines, bringing the company closer to its African customers and partners and supporting aerospace growth in the region.
Construction of the new facility commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the inauguration is scheduled for May 2025. Once operational, the plant will reinforce Pratt & Whitney’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the aerospace sector.
This significant investment will contribute to advancing Morocco’s national aerospace sector by fostering innovation, research, and the development of new technologies. The project, expected to be operational by 2025, is regarded by the Ministry of Industry and Trade as a leading initiative within the engine ecosystem. It will establish a growth-oriented ecosystem, promote the development of local suppliers, and open new avenues for high-tech and innovative activities.
Morocco’s aerospace sector has seen remarkable growth, currently employing 21,000 highly skilled workers and housing 142 active companies. The sector boasts an export turnover exceeding $2 billion, with a local integration rate that has increased to 40%.
Pratt & Whitney’s new manufacturing facility in Casablanca represents a strategic move in the company’s global expansion efforts. This investment demonstrates confidence in Morocco’s aerospace potential and promises significant economic and technological benefits for the region. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, Pratt & Whitney Maroc is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the demands of a growing market while contributing to the local economy and workforce development.