MOROCCO – Hexcel Corporation, an aviation manufacturer, has announced an expansion at its existing engineered core facility in Casablanca, Morocco at the Midparc Free Trade Zone Industrial Park that will double the size of the plant and will lead to an increase in overall employment.
The Casablanca facility was built as part of Hexcel’s ongoing worldwide investment to create a diversified and robust global supply chain to support aerospace customers’ growing demand for engineered core.
“Today, Hexcel confirmed its decision to invest in Morocco, like many players in the aerospace sector such as our Midparc neighbours and customers including Stelia Aerospace (Airbus), Safran, and Spirit AeroSystems,” Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President – Aerospace for Europe, MEA/AP & Industrial, said.
“Key factors in our decision to expand the Casablanca site included the highly skilled workforce in the area, support from the state, and proximity to our customers.”
“Key factors in our decision to expand the Casablanca site included the highly skilled workforce in the area, support from the state, and proximity to our customers.”
At the plant, Hexcel transforms lightweight honeycomb materials into engineered core parts to reinforce structures in the aerospace industry, particularly for aircraft, engine nacelles, and helicopter blades. Hexcel broke ground on the site in 2016 and celebrated its grand opening in March 2018.
“The new investment gives confidence in Morocco’s dynamic aeronautics sector and its role in creating a carbon-free global economy. We are very proud to continue the journey together,” Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Green and Digital Economy, said.
With this newest expansion expected to be completed in early 2023, Hexcel will double the plant’s size to 24,000 square meters.
“Hexcel’s decision to launch the extension of its current site confirms the success of its establishment in Midparc and further reinforces the quality partnership developed between the two companies,” Hamid Benbrahim El Andaloussi, President of Midparc, said.
Currently, Hexcel employs 120 people at the site and plans to increase employment to about 400 people after the expansion is completed. The expansion will include the installation of solar panels to reduce future reliance on non-sustainable energy sources.
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