Casablanca – Stellantis has taken a significant leap in industrial automation with the launch of locally produced Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) at its Kenitra plant in Morocco. This groundbreaking initiative not only strengthens the company’s industrial autonomy but also highlights Morocco’s growing role in advanced manufacturing within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
The AGVs, designed for the secure and automated transport of heavy loads up to 1,200 kilograms, mark a transformative step in optimizing Stellantis’s intralogistics operations. By producing these vehicles directly on-site, the Kenitra facility reinforces its position as a key hub for sustainable industrial innovation and operational efficiency.
Pioneering industrial automation in the MEA region
The AGV workshop at the Kenitra plant is the first of its kind in the MEA region, showcasing Stellantis’s commitment to technological leadership and local expertise development. With an annual production capacity of 1,000 units, the facility assembles one AGV every three hours. This remarkable performance is driven by an optimized logistics system that integrates dual assembly lines for mechanical and electrical components, ensuring seamless coordination and high production efficiency.
“The internal production of AGVs in Kenitra reflects Stellantis’s ambition to lead in industrial automation while enhancing our operational independence. Our plant is now one of only five Stellantis facilities globally to produce this equipment autonomously,” stated Mounir Kharbouche, Director of the Stellantis Kenitra plant. “This project not only showcases the capabilities of local talent but also underscores our commitment to sustainable industrial solutions.”
Efficiency and speed: A model of operational excellence
The Kenitra plant has demonstrated impressive efficiency, successfully producing 90 AGVs within just four weeks. This rapid execution reflects a production efficiency rate exceeding 150%, underscoring the site’s operational excellence. The final production stage includes rigorous testing and programming to guarantee high-precision performance, meeting the highest quality standards.
This efficiency supports Stellantis’s broader expansion plans, aiming to boost production capacity to 60 vehicles per hour. Such ambitious targets align with the company’s strategic roadmap, Dare Forward 2030, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and competitive growth across all its global operations.
Strategic collaboration and local empowerment
The success of the AGV project is rooted in a strategic, collaborative approach involving multiple Stellantis sites worldwide. The initiative integrates over 170 components sourced from suppliers in Morocco, Europe, and Asia. These parts are assembled locally by a dedicated team of 36 operators trained on-site, supported by automation engineers and mechanical technicians to ensure compliance with stringent quality standards.
This project goes beyond technological advancement; it reflects a comprehensive strategy to bolster local competitiveness. By optimizing costs and reducing dependence on external suppliers, the AGV production aligns perfectly with Morocco’s industrial vision and Stellantis’s sustainability goals.
Driving economic growth and sustainability
Stellantis Kenitra’s AGV production is more than an industrial achievement; it represents a significant contribution to Morocco’s economic ecosystem. The project promotes local sourcing, reduces production costs, and fosters job creation, thereby generating tangible economic benefits for the region.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with Stellantis’s environmental commitments. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038 as part of its Dare Forward 2030 plan. Local production reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance supply chains, contributing to Stellantis’s sustainability objectives.
A vision for the future
As Stellantis continues to expand its footprint in Morocco, the Kenitra plant stands as a beacon of industrial excellence, blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. The successful launch of AGV production not only solidifies Stellantis’s leadership in industrial automation but also showcases Morocco’s potential as a key player in the global automotive industry.
With this milestone, Stellantis Kenitra reaffirms its role in shaping the future of mobility through innovation, sustainability, and local empowerment, driving forward the vision of a smarter, greener industrial landscape.