Casablanca – Qingdao Sentury Tire, a prominent Chinese tire manufacturer, has announced that production at its newly constructed factory in Morocco will commence in September 2024. The state-of-the-art facility, described by Sentury as “the most intelligent,” boasts an annual production capacity of 12 million tires, significantly enhancing the company’s global manufacturing capabilities.

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Qingdao, Shandong, Sentury Tire specializes in the research, development, production, and sales of various types of tires. The company’s product lineup includes economic tires, high-performance passenger car tires, special performance tires, light truck tires, and aviation tires. Sentury markets these products under several brands, including Sentury, Landsail, Delinte, and GroundSpeed. In 2015, Sentury was ranked as the 50th largest tire manufacturer in the world by sales.

Sentury operates advanced manufacturing facilities in China and Thailand. The Thai facility, which opened in 2015, has a production capacity of 12 million units per year. Sentury’s emphasis on automation and smart manufacturing has positioned it as a leader in the tire industry. The company also made headlines with its innovative launch of the Sentury Qirin 990 EV, the first Chinese tire specifically designed for electric vehicles, in the European market.

The new Moroccan factory, located 35 kilometers from the Tangier Med port, represents a significant investment of approximately $300 million. The facility spans 200,000 square meters and is expected to boost Sentury’s export capacity. This project aligns with Morocco’s strategy to enhance its automotive industry and attract foreign investments.

To ensure smooth operations, Sentury has recruited and trained Moroccan workers, with some receiving specialized training at the company’s factory in Thailand. This initiative underscores Sentury’s commitment to leveraging local talent and fostering job creation in the regions where it operates.

The establishment of the Moroccan factory is part of Sentury’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and increase its competitiveness in the international market. Once operational, the facility will position Sentury as the only tire manufacturer in Morocco, enabling the company to benefit from Morocco’s unique free trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. These agreements provide significant advantages, such as exemptions from customs duties, which will enhance Sentury’s ability to compete globally.

In addition to its production capabilities, the Moroccan factory will serve as a regional hub for supplying markets in Europe, the Maghreb, Africa, and the United States. This strategic location will facilitate the efficient distribution of Sentury’s products to key markets, further strengthening the company’s international presence.

Sentury Group’s investment in the new Moroccan factory highlights its commitment to innovation, quality, and global expansion. By leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies and fostering local talent, Sentury is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-quality tires worldwide. The upcoming production start in September 2024 marks a significant milestone in Sentury’s journey towards becoming a leading global tire manufacturer.