Germany’s Masterflex SE announced a strategic expansion of its aviation business with a nearly €3million investment in a new production facility in Morocco. The plant, located in the MIDPARC free trade zone near Casablanca, is set to become operational by 2026 and will manufacture high-quality hoses and components under the Matzen & Timm brand. This move aims to double the company’s aviation sales by enhancing proximity to European and regional aerospace customers.

Project Overview

• Investment: Approx. €3 million over five years
• Facility Size: 4,000sqm
• Location: MIDPARC free trade zone, Casablanca
• Operational Date: Expected by 2026
• Employment: At least 65 new jobs to be created
• Product Focus: Special hoses, bellows and molded parts for the aviation industry

Strategic Rationale

The global aviation industry is experiencing a significant increase in demand for air travel, leading to a surge in the need for aviation technology and components. To meet this growing demand and remain competitive, Masterflex SE has chosen to expand its production capacity by establishing a new plant in Morocco. The decision was influenced by several factors:

• Proximity to Customers: Morocco’s geographical location offers strategic access to European and regional aerospace markets.
• Skilled Workforce: The availability of well-trained specialists in Morocco ensures high-quality production standards.
• Investment-Friendly Environment: Morocco’s favourable investment climate and infrastructure support industrial growth.
• Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs compared to existing locations in Germany and the Czech Republic.

Impact on Morocco’s Aerospace Sector

Morocco has been actively developing its aerospace industry, attracting significant investments from global companies. The establishment of Masterflex’s new plant aligns with the country’s strategy to become a key supplier in the global aerospace supply chain. At the Morocco Air Show 2024, several major aerospace investments were announced, including:

• Structural Aerospace Morocco (SAM): A €7.3 million investment to expand aerostructure fabrication and assembly facilities, creating 200 jobs.
• Trelleborg: An €11 million investment to set up a sealing systems manufacturing site, adding 150 jobs.
• Composite Industrie Maroc (CIM): A €21 million investment to expand into thermo-acoustic insulation systems, generating 648 jobs.

These developments underscore Morocco’s commitment to enhancing its aerospace capabilities and integrating more deeply into the global aerospace industry.

Masterflex SE's investment in a new aviation components plant in Morocco represents a strategic move to bolster its global presence and meet the rising demand in the aerospace sector. By establishing operations in the MIDPARC free trade zone near Casablanca, the company not only enhances its proximity to key European and regional customers but also leverages Morocco's skilled workforce and favorable investment climate. This expansion is poised to double Masterflex's aviation sales and underscores Morocco's growing role as a hub in the global aerospace supply chain.

Sources

• Morocco Joins Global F-16 Fighter Production Chain
• Morocco secures major aerospace investments at Air Show 2024 - 7news Morocco
• Masterflex Group: Masterflex goes Morocco
• Mangueras de alta tecnología aptas para alimentos del experto en la industria de las mangueras - Willy-Brandt-Allee 300, 45891 Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Masterflex SE