New Joint Venture to Enhance Railway Maintenance in Morocco
In a significant development for the Moroccan railway industry, German rail equipment manufacturer Vossloh and Portuguese company Futrifer have joined forces to establish a new railway maintenance company, Vossloh Futrifer Services Maroc. This joint venture aims to provide comprehensive maintenance services for Morocco’s national rail network, as well as the urban rail systems in major cities like Casablanca and Rabat. Officially launched on July 1, 2026, and headquartered in Casablanca, the company is poised to leverage its expertise in response to the increasing demand for railway maintenance services driven by the rapid expansion of the country's rail infrastructure.
Focus on Local Workforce Development and Innovative Services
Starting in 2027, Vossloh Futrifer Services Maroc plans to recruit and train local talents, thereby enhancing its local presence and fostering long-term railway expertise in Morocco. This initiative reflects a commitment to not only support the Moroccan labor market but also to ensure that the workforce is well-equipped to handle advanced railway maintenance tasks. The company’s service portfolio will encompass a wide range of maintenance activities, including the manual and robotic mobile rail welding, grinding, and milling of tracks and track equipment. These services will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and safety of Morocco's railway systems, which are currently under the management of the state-owned railway operator, ONCF. The collaboration between Vossloh and Futrifer has been ongoing since 2024, and the initial operations will involve experienced teams from both companies to ensure a smooth launch.
The establishment of this joint venture is strategically timed with Morocco's ambitious plans to invest in its railway infrastructure, including the development of up to 1,300 kilometers of high-speed rail lines as part of the Morocco Rail Plan 2040. Vossloh has established a long-standing presence in Morocco, having previously secured major contracts for supplying rail fastening systems and turnouts for new high-speed lines. Marcel Taubert, Managing Director of Vossloh Rail Services, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, emphasizing its potential to bolster sustainable mobility in one of Africa's most dynamic markets. Joaquim Dias Amaro, Vice-Chairman of Futrifer, highlighted that this partnership aligns with the company's broader internationalization strategy within the Vossloh Group.
As reported by railwaypro.com.
