Casablanca, Morocco – King Mohammed VI of Morocco presided over the launch of a new aircraft landing gear production facility for Safran, a French multinational aerospace manufacturer, on Friday. The plant, located in Nouaceur, near Casablanca, represents a significant investment of over €280 million and is projected to create 500 jobs.
The facility is intended to be one of Safran Landing Systems’ largest manufacturing centers globally. According to a press release, the plant will operate on 100% decarbonized energy and is expected to attract additional suppliers to the Moroccan aerospace ecosystem. It will be situated within the Midparc integrated aeronautics and space platform, providing Morocco with advanced capabilities in precision machining, high-technology assembly, testing, certification, and advanced maintenance.
The factory will be dedicated to the production of landing gear for the Airbus A320 aircraft, built to high standards and equipped with modern production tools. The project underscores Morocco’s growing prominence as a key player in the global aerospace industry, a position actively fostered by King Mohammed VI, according to statements released by the Royal Palace.
Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, highlighted the country’s ascent to a world-reference aeronautical platform over the past two decades. He emphasized Safran’s long-standing partnership with Morocco – spanning over a quarter of a century – and its role in supporting the national industry’s move towards higher-value production. The new plant will be built on a land base exceeding seven hectares.
Ross McInnes, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Safran, welcomed the continuation of the partnership with Morocco, referencing the launch of an aircraft engine industrial complex last October, also presided over by King Mohammed VI. The new landing gear facility is designed to support the increased production rate of the Airbus A320 and prepare for future aircraft generations.
The investment reflects a broader trend of aerospace companies seeking to diversify their manufacturing locations and benefit from lower labor costs and favorable government policies. Morocco has actively courted foreign investment in the aerospace sector, offering incentives and developing infrastructure to support the industry’s growth.
The Moroccan government views the aerospace industry as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. The sector already employs approximately 25,000 people in the country, and the new Safran plant is expected to further boost employment opportunities, particularly for skilled workers.
The commitment to 100% decarbonized energy for the plant aligns with growing global pressure on companies to reduce their environmental impact. Safran’s decision to prioritize sustainable energy sources demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and could serve as a model for other manufacturing facilities in the region.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding relating to the project took place at the conclusion of the ceremony, formalizing the agreement between Safran and the Moroccan government. The project is expected to contribute significantly to Morocco’s industrial development and strengthen its position as a competitive industrial platform on a global scale.
