The multinational automotive equipment group “Aptiv” inaugurated this weekend its first factory at the Oujda technology park, thus becoming the 7th production site and the 10th activity site of the Aptiv Group in Morocco.
This new production site thus reinforces the place of the Kingdom in the regional dynamics of the Aptiv Group, and will ultimately create more than 3,000 direct jobs, indicates the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Located in the free zone of Oujda on 8 hectares of land, adjoining the airport, the construction of the plant required an investment of 394 million dirhams, and was designed to be “eco-friendly”, in line with Aptiv’s commitment to zero carbon by 2040. Manufacturing materials and equipment (insulation panels, solar panels, etc.) will significantly reduce water and electricity consumption. ‘electricity. This plant is the first in the automotive industry to set up in the Oriental region, with a view to boosting economic and industrial activity in the region. The work was launched on January 24, 2022, and was completed in March 2023, within the deadlines stipulated in the investment agreement.
Speaking on this occasion, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, indicated that this inauguration is part of the celebration of the Royal Initiative for the development of the Oriental region.
The Minister also underlined that this is a first project of the automotive industry which reflects the region’s ability to attract world leaders, and paves the way for new investments that create wealth and jobs for young people.
For his part, the Managing Director of Aptiv Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Portugal, Mohammed Filali, said that the 3,000 jobs that will be generated in the city of Oujda as well as the amounts invested are significant figures that make this unit one of Aptiv’s most ambitious projects.
He also noted that the realization of this project in this region shows the confidence that the Aptiv Group places in Morocco and Moroccan talents, thanks in particular to the commitment of 17,000 employees who work daily to promote quality and competitiveness of “Made in Morocco”.
And to add that this large-scale project was delivered on time, thanks to the support of Moroccan partners of very high quality.
Note that Aptiv, an international technology company, opened its first production site in 1999 in Tangier, and has continued to develop ever since. Its activity has 7 factories, 1 satellite, 1 logistics hub and 1 development center, distributed between Tangier, Kenitra, Meknes and Oujda.
The ceremony took place in the presence in particular of the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies, Mohcine Jazouli, of the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, of the Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, the Minister for Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, the Minister for Solidarity, Social Integration and the family, Aawatif Hayar, the Wali of the Oriental region, Mouâad Jamai, and the President of the Council of the Oriental region, Abdennabi Biioui, as well as representatives of local authorities and public administrations, and professional chambers .