Economy

Trelleborg Expands Its Aerospace Facility in Nouaceur

Trelleborg to Expand Aerospace Sealing Systems Plant in Nouaceur, Morocco

The Swedish industrial group Trelleborg plans to expand its facility specializing in aerospace sealing systems located in Nouaceur, near Casablanca. An agreement signed with MEDZ, a subsidiary of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) responsible for developing business zones, aims to increase the site’s covered area from the current 5,209 square meters to over 10,000 square meters.

Announced on October 11, 2026, during the Marrakech Airshow, this expansion is set to support the group’s growing aerospace activities in Morocco. The factory, which was inaugurated on June 9, has already commenced production. The details regarding the additional investment, the construction schedule, and any potential job creation related to the expansion have yet to be disclosed.

Industrial Capacity Expected to Nearly Double

The protocol signed between Trelleborg Aerospace and Midparc Casablanca Free Zone calls for an increase of over 90% in the current area of the facility. This development will provide the Swedish group with a larger industrial space to enhance its production of components for the aerospace industry.

The site is situated within the Midparc industrial zone, close to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. It represents Trelleborg’s first manufacturing unit in Morocco dedicated to producing polymer seals for aircraft.

During the inauguration of the factory in June 2026, the initial investment was estimated at approximately 130 million dirhams, with a goal of creating between 150 to 200 jobs in the long run. The group envisioned a gradual ramp-up of production, aiming for full capacity within two years.

Technical Components for Aircraft Manufacturers

The Nouaceur factory specializes in manufacturing sealing joints designed for aircraft structures, particularly for wing fairings. These components help protect assemblies from infiltration, pressure variations, and mechanical stresses encountered during aircraft operation.

Production relies on a combination of technical materials, including elastomers, textile reinforcements, composites, and metallic elements. The site is also equipped with CNC machining systems, water jet cutting technology, and testing and qualification means for the components.

Materials used include silicone, polyester fibers, glass, aramid fibers, and ceramic fibers. Their integration meets the precision, thermal resistance, and durability standards required for aerospace equipment.

Additionally, the facility includes a specialized materials laboratory. A partnership with the Institute of Aeronautics Professions (IMA) is also in place to support the training of future employees in a sector where mastery of industrial processes and quality control is paramount.

Achieving AS9100 Certification: A Significant Milestone

Trelleborg has completed the compliance audit for its Moroccan site to the AS9100 standard, while the certification process is ongoing. This quality management standard applies to companies in the aerospace, space, and defense sectors.

Obtaining this certification is crucial for manufacturers looking to secure positions in the supply chains of major global manufacturers and equipment suppliers. It aligns with efforts to synchronize manufacturing processes and quality control with the specific requirements of the aerospace industry.

Thus, the announced expansion comes at a time when the site continues to ramp up its industrial capacity and enhance its production and qualification capabilities.

Morocco’s Role in Trelleborg’s International Strategy

The Nouaceur project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Trelleborg’s global capabilities in technical sealing solutions. When initially announcing the establishment in Morocco in May 2024, CEO Peter Nilsson emphasized the importance of producing close to customers while increasing industrial capacities to support the growing aerospace sector.

The Swedish group has an extensive international network for manufacturing components used in various aircraft systems, including engines, landing gear, flight controls, and aerospace structures.

Trelleborg was already present in Morocco with an industrial facility in Kénitra, specializing in producing protective bellows for the automotive industry. The opening of the Nouaceur site marked a diversification of its industrial activities in the Kingdom towards the aerospace sector.

Midparc Strengthens Its Aerospace Positioning

The expansion of the factory confirms Trelleborg’s interest in the aerospace ecosystem developed around Midparc, close to Mohammed V Airport. The availability of specialized industrial infrastructure, local technical skills, and proximity to key players in the industry are critical factors for the establishment and growth of equipment manufacturers.

For Morocco, this project aligns with the dynamic consolidation of the national aerospace industry, which aims to attract higher value-added activities and expand the role of local suppliers in international production chains.

The increase in the Nouaceur site’s area marks a new phase in Trelleborg’s development in Morocco. The impact on investment and employment will depend on the construction timeline and the effective scaling of production.

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