France’s Forvia, the world’s seventh-largest automotive technology supplier, inaugurated a new manufacturing plant on Wednesday in the Technopolis industrial acceleration zone of Salé near Rabat.
The new factory will focus on cutting, assembling, and manufacturing textile and leather covers for car seats. The project seeks to diversify Forvia’s offerings and meet the growing demand from its automotive clients.
Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, who attended the inauguration, said, “The establishment of new industrial infrastructure by Forvia in Morocco reflects the trust of global industry leaders in Morocco as a destination.”
“It showcases the remarkable potential and competitiveness of our national automotive industry.”
The factory is expected to play a key role in improving local integration within Morocco’s automotive sector and strengthen Morocco’s position in global value chains. Integrating businesses in the supply chain means reducing local manufacturers’ reliance on imported goods and services, a factor that improves the country’s trade balance.
During the opening ceremony, Mezzour highlighted the competitive edge and quality boost this project brings to the country’s industrial output.
The factory is expected to create around 1,400 jobs by 2027. Mezzour also noted that Forvia plans to expand its site in nearby Kenitra, which will add another 450 jobs.
Patrick Koller, Forvia’s CEO, underscored Morocco’s strategic importance for his company. Citing the country’s growing domestic market, he said, “Our investments in Morocco are not just about manufacturing. They aim to contribute to the community, improve competitiveness, and drive growth in the automotive sector.”
Since establishing operations in Morocco in 2008, Forvia has built three factories: two in Kenitra and one in Salé, employing nearly 4,000 people. The company’s activities in Morocco include manufacturing automotive covers, producing dashboards and door panels, and assembling exhaust gas treatment systems.