Somasteel Strengthens Morocco’s Industrial Sovereignty with the Inauguration of a Modern Electric Steelworks
Somasteel has reached a significant milestone in its industrial development by inaugurating the expansion of its production unit, marked by the commissioning of a state-of-the-art electric steel mill. This strategic project reinforces the company’s industrial integration, strengthens the “Made in Morocco” label, and confirms the central role of mechanical and metallurgical industries in the Kingdom’s economic transformation.
An Inauguration Focused on Industrial Investment
The official inauguration took place on Monday, December 22, in the presence of the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, highlighting the strategic importance of this project for the national industry. This expansion, based on the installation of a modern electric steel mill, is fully in line with the dynamic upgrade of Morocco’s industrial fabric.
A 760 Million Dirham Investment to Increase Capacity
With an investment of 760 million dirhams, the new steel mill will enable Somasteel to achieve an expected annual capacity of 400,000 tons of billets. The project will also have a significant impact on employment, with a projected tripling of direct jobs from 250 to 850 positions, along with the creation of about 1,800 indirect jobs, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
A Fully Integrated Production Chain
This expansion allows Somasteel to complete its industrial value chain by integrating the entire production process, from scrap metal recycling to the manufacture of rebar. This integration enhances the company’s competitiveness, reduces its dependence on imports, and aligns with national guidelines aiming to strengthen industrial sovereignty and local production with high added value.
Industry 4.0 at the Heart of Priorities
On this occasion, the Minister of Industry and Trade praised the efforts of Somasteel and all stakeholders in the sector, emphasizing the need to maintain this momentum by continuously improving quality and productivity. He also stressed the importance of better integrating local value chains and accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, considered a key lever for modernization and performance.
The Mechanical and Metallurgical Industries: Pillars of the Economy
Somasteel’s project illustrates the strategic role of the mechanical and metallurgical industries (IMM), which comprise over 1,987 companies, represent 17% of the national industrial fabric, and employ more than 75,479 people. With revenues exceeding 84.7 billion dirhams, including 7.7 billion dirhams in exports in 2024, the sector ranks as the fourth-largest contributor to the national industry. Its productivity, estimated at 202,000 dirhams per job, reflects the sustainable performance of human capital and the significant growth potential of this strategic sector.
