Casablanca – French aerospace group Safran is expanding its industrial presence in Morocco through a new extension to its Safran Electrical & Power facility in Aïn Atiq, near Témara. Inaugurated on October 13, 2026, the extension adds 5,700 square meters to the existing plant, bringing its total area to 31,400 square meters. The project is expected to create 400 additional jobs as the company prepares to accommodate new aerospace programs and increase its production capacity.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Philippe Lalliot, France’s ambassador to Morocco, and senior executives from Safran. The event also marked 20 years of the group’s industrial presence at the Aïn Atiq site, reflecting the development of its operations in Morocco and the country’s growing participation in international aerospace manufacturing.

The expansion comes as aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers continue to adapt their production networks to evolving technological requirements, manufacturing schedules and demand for increasingly sophisticated equipment. For Safran, the additional space provides capacity to integrate new programs and support the requirements of major international aircraft manufacturers.

The Aïn Atiq facility specializes in producing electrical wiring systems, commonly known as aircraft wiring harnesses. These systems connect electrical components and support the operation of equipment throughout an aircraft, making them an essential part of modern aviation technology. Their production requires precise assembly procedures, strict quality controls and compliance with demanding safety and reliability standards.

Safran Electrical & Power operates within the broader Safran Group, which develops and manufactures equipment for the aerospace sector. Its Moroccan operations form part of an international production network serving aircraft manufacturers and other customers worldwide.

The new extension is intended to strengthen an established manufacturing operation rather than create an entirely new production site. By increasing available space, Safran can prepare the facility for additional manufacturing activities while building on its existing workforce, technical expertise and production infrastructure.

The plant currently employs 1,610 people and is expected to reach nearly two million production hours in 2026. Women account for 87% of the workforce, representing a substantial share of employment at the facility. If all 400 planned positions are filled, the workforce could increase to approximately 2,010 employees.

The expansion also highlights the importance of developing local technical skills. Cooperation with universities, engineering schools and vocational training institutions will help prepare employees for the specialized requirements of aerospace manufacturing and strengthen the expertise needed to support the sector’s continued growth in Morocco.

Such partnerships can help develop expertise in electrical assembly, quality assurance, product traceability and compliance with international production standards. These skills are essential in a field where components must meet precise specifications and manufacturing processes must remain consistent throughout the production cycle.

Developing a qualified workforce can also help Morocco retain existing contracts and attract additional manufacturing programs. As aerospace technologies evolve, companies need employees capable of working with increasingly complex equipment and adapting to changes in production methods.

Safran’s expansion at Aïn Atiq forms part of a broader industrial presence in Morocco. The group is also developing activities in Casablanca, including electric motors, landing gear systems and electromechanical equipment. These operations serve different segments of the aerospace supply chain and contribute to the diversification of the country’s manufacturing capabilities.

The group has also pursued major projects involving aircraft engine assembly and maintenance in Casablanca. These investments are intended to strengthen Morocco’s position in engine-related activities and expand the range of services available to international aviation customers.

The different facilities serve distinct purposes. Aïn Atiq focuses on aircraft electrical wiring systems, while the planned Casablanca operations include engine assembly and maintenance. Together, these activities illustrate the development of a broader aerospace manufacturing base in Morocco, extending beyond individual components into more specialized production and technical services.

For Safran, maintaining several activities in the country can support the development of its industrial network and increase its capacity to serve international customers. For Morocco, these investments offer opportunities to attract suppliers, develop technical expertise and expand participation in global aerospace production.

The development of local suppliers will be particularly important in determining the wider economic impact of these projects. Moroccan companies that can meet international requirements for quality, reliability and delivery may gain opportunities to supply components and industrial services. Greater domestic participation could also help increase the value generated locally by aerospace exports.

Morocco’s aerospace sector has expanded through the presence of international manufacturers and the development of specialized industrial facilities. The sector employs tens of thousands of people across a network of companies involved in manufacturing, engineering, assembly and related services. Its development is part of the country’s efforts to diversify exports and increase the contribution of higher-value manufacturing activities to the economy.

Further growth will depend on the availability of qualified workers, the quality of industrial infrastructure and the ability of local businesses to meet increasingly demanding technical specifications. Investment in training, engineering capabilities and innovation will remain important as Morocco seeks to attract more complex manufacturing programs.

Environmental considerations also form part of Safran’s longer-term strategy. The group aims to contribute to carbon neutrality in aviation by 2050, an objective that involves several technological and operational developments. Improving engine efficiency, expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuels and developing hybrid-electric technologies are among the approaches being pursued across the aerospace sector.

Electrical systems are expected to remain important as aircraft manufacturers seek to improve energy efficiency and introduce more advanced onboard technologies. Although the Aïn Atiq facility specializes in wiring harnesses rather than aircraft assembly or engine production, its products support the electrical architecture required by modern aircraft.

The expansion does not, by itself, determine the environmental performance of future aircraft. Its significance lies primarily in increasing manufacturing capacity for equipment used in international aerospace programs, while contributing to the industrial capabilities needed to support technological developments.

The Moroccan government has welcomed Safran’s successive investments and the development of the Aïn Atiq facility over the past two decades. The latest extension reflects the gradual accumulation of production capacity, technical expertise and manufacturing experience within the country’s aerospace sector.

The immediate effects of the project will be measured through the additional production space and planned recruitment. Its longer-term contribution will depend on the programs assigned to the facility, the pace at which the new capacity is used and the extent to which increased production generates opportunities for local suppliers and training institutions.

As Safran marks 20 years of operations at Aïn Atiq, the new extension reinforces its manufacturing presence in Morocco and provides additional capacity for future aerospace programs. With 5,700 square meters added, a total facility area of 31,400 square meters and 400 additional jobs planned, the project strengthens an established production center while supporting Morocco’s efforts to expand its role in international aerospace manufacturing.