Kenitra: German cable manufacturer LEONI Cable Solutions (LCS) on Tuesday broke ground on its first production facility in Africa, a $68 million investment in Morocco, located in the Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the plant will be situated on a 48,000-square-meter site and will manufacture single-core and multi-core automotive cables, as well as data transmission cables used in next-generation vehicles for major global automotive suppliers. This new facility is expected to enhance Morocco’s capacity to produce advanced automotive components for international markets, highlighting the country’s growing role as a hub for next-generation automotive manufacturing.
The facility will comprise 18,000 square meters of industrial and office space, with an additional 9,000 square meters reserved for future expansion. LEONI Cable Solutions is recognized globally for its expertise in cables, wires, and service solutions, ensuring efficient energy and data management across the automotive sector and various other industries.
Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, emphasized that the project aligns with the Kingdom’s ambition to bolster high-value, technology-driven manufacturing and position itself for the future of mobility. He noted that LEONI’s decision to establish its first investment in Africa reflects strong confidence in Morocco’s potential.
This investment comes at a pivotal time as the automotive industry transitions towards more connected, automated, and data-driven vehicles. The factory is designed as a highly automated facility with a dedicated laboratory for material and product quality testing, ensuring it meets the stringent standards of the global automotive industry.
A structured technology-transfer program, led by LEONI teams in Turkey and Germany, will support the project. This initiative will enable Moroccan employees to progressively master the technologies, industrial processes, and quality standards required for advanced manufacturing and future capacity expansion.
Markus Thoma, Chief Executive Officer of LEONI Cable Solutions, stated that the projects “reflect a clear commitment to innovation, partnership, and sustainable growth.” He added that Morocco has become a key hub for the automotive supplier industry, and LEONI is proud to continue this journey alongside its Moroccan partners.
The plant will also incorporate sustainability features, including photovoltaic systems and the use of predominantly mineral-based and recyclable materials, to improve energy performance and reduce environmental impact.