April 24, 2019 Updated 4/24/2019
Plastics News Europe
Magna International Inc. A rendering of the planned Magna International Inc. mirror plant in Kenitra, Morocco.
Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International Inc. has broken ground on a new greenfield production plant in Kenitra, Morocco, to manufacture exterior and interior automotive mirror systems.
Magna, based in Aurora, Ontario, will invest $11.3 million in the 61,400-square-foot facility, which is set to begin operations in spring 2020, the company announced April 23.
While the company did not specify what production it will have in house, mirror systems typically use injection molded plastics for housings.
The production facility marks Magna’s second location in Morocco, following the formation of a Casablanca-based engineering joint venture with Altran Technologies SA in October 2018.
“Expanding into Morocco is a strategic move for Magna, as our customers continue to grow in the region,” said John O’Hara, president Magna mechatronics, mirrors and lighting.
Morocco has become an automotive hub in North Africa, as the country offers a competitive export-focused production base for global car makers.
The Moroccan government has set its sights on making 1 million vehicles per year by 2025 and has been successful in attracting automakers and investment in new production plants to achieve that goal.
Another advantage, according to O’Hara, is the availability of a “high level of skilled employees and engineering talent” in the region.
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