German automotive supplier Benteler has officially begun construction of its new automotive plant in Kenitra, Morocco. Located in Kenitra’s Atlantic Free Zone, the plant will be built on a 17,000sqm building situated on a 50,000sqm plot of land.
“We can’t wait to open our new plant in Kenitra and thereby further expand our global presence. Morocco offers us relevant locational advantages: It’s a modern country with a strong automotive industry, plus the country’s geography and infrastructure also allow us to optimise logistics,” said Matthias Siemer, President of Benteler Automotive Components Europe. “In addition, Morocco has a high proportion of renewable energy sources, which is ideally suited to our ambitions in the area of sustainability,” he added.
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Siemer also highlighted how locating the plant within Kenitra’s Atlantic Free Zone increased connectivity, given its proximity to the freeway and connections to the port of Tangier.
“In line with out ‘local-for-local’ approach, we will be producing as close as possible to our customers to ensure flexible and reliable delivery,” Siemer added.
Ryan Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, also attended the opening.
“We welcome Benteler’s decision to invest in our country and create hundreds of new jobs in Kenitra. This project further strengthens the momentum of our automotive ecosystem, supported by a skilled workforce and a competitive industrial offering,” the Minister said. He added that this investment underlines the “rise of Morocco as a major industrial and technological platform.”
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By GlobalDataThe facility will feature equipment such as a 3,200-ton cold stamping press, multiple welding systems, a cathodic dip coating system, and a 3D laser for component production. With this investment, Benteler plans to create over 300 direct jobs at the Kenitra site, with the possibility of more indirect jobs being created throughout the local value chain. The company will also implement comprehensive training programs and development opportunities for employees.
The new plant, scheduled to begin operations in 2026, will manufacture front and rear bumpers, torsion beam rear axles, collision reinforcement bars, and suspension arms for a major automotive manufacturer.
