BENTELER opens new automotive plant in Morocco

Kenitra / Salzburg, July 2, 2026. The BENTELER Group has officially opened its new automotive plant in Kenitra, Morocco. The opening ceremony this week was attended by employees and management of the company together with customers, partners, and, among others, Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Kingdom of Morocco. 

Ralf Göttel, CEO of the BENTELER Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the new plant: “With the opening of the Kenitra plant, we are consistently advancing our global growth and manufacturing strategy. The plant is a strong example of how we combine industrial excellence, customer proximity, and sustainability. A decisive factor in this success was the outstanding performance of our teams – especially the employees on site, who delivered this project with great expertise, reliability, and commitment.” 

A strong signal of partnership

Just around one year after the official groundbreaking ceremony, the state-of-the-art production facility in the Atlantic Free Zone goes into operation. More than 300 direct jobs are created, complemented by additional employment opportunities throughout the local value chain.

“The opening of this plant marks an important milestone in the continued development of our automotive ecosystem,” said Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Kingdom of Morocco. “BENTELER’s investment reflects confidence in Morocco as an industrial location, in high-quality jobs, and in a long-term partnership. It once again confirms our country’s attractiveness for internationally leading industrial companies.”

Strategic location with a strong future

“The close and trusting cooperation with our partners and institutions in Morocco was a key success factor throughout the planning and ramp-up phase. We would like to express our sincere thanks for this support,” said Matthias Siemer, President of BENTELER Automotive Components Europe & MENA, highlighting the close collaboration with local partners. “With our new site in Kenitra, we are further increasing our flexibility and supply reliability. In line with our local-for-local approach, we produce where our customers are.”

Morocco offers BENTELER excellent framework conditions: a skilled workforce, a strong industrial infrastructure, a well-established automotive industry, and a favorable geographic location with excellent logistics connections. The growing share of renewable energy also supports the company’s sustainability goals.

Modern technologies and smart manufacturing

Starting in summer 2026, BENTELER’s Kenitra facility will manufacture front and rear bumpers, torsion beam axles, crash struts, and control arms, among other components, for an international automotive OEM. The production systems meet the highest technological standards and include a 3,200-ton cold-forming press, advanced welding systems, cathodic dip coating (CDC), and 3D laser technology.

From the outset, the plant has been designed as a digital and connected manufacturing facility. Industry 4.0 solutions from BENTELER’s SMART FACTORIES initiative ensure efficient processes, high quality, and maximum transparency.