Morocco has successfully attracted Curtiss-Wright Corporation, a century-old American aerospace and defense conglomerate valued at approximately $27 billion, to establish advanced aircraft component treatment operations in Casablanca, marking the company's inaugural venture into Africa. This significant development was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on July 21, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow held in the United Kingdom. The agreement paves the way for Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies to develop cutting-edge surface treatment capabilities in the Greater Casablanca area, thus enhancing the local aerospace supply chain by enabling Moroccan companies to treat crucial components used in landing gear, engines, and other systems domestically, rather than relying on overseas processing.
This strategic move is poised to reinforce Morocco’s position as a key aerospace hub within Africa, allowing the continent to retain more value from aircraft manufacturing processes. Founded in 1929, Curtiss-Wright has a rich history linked to aviation innovators Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers. The company reported revenues of around $3.5 billion in 2025 and employs over 8,900 individuals across its various operations.
A Missing Link in Morocco’s Aerospace Industry
Over the past two decades, Morocco has diligently cultivated one of Africa's most robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystems, which encompasses a wide array of activities including precision machining, electrical wiring, sheet metal production, composite materials, assembly, and maintenance. However, certain high-value components, essential for ensuring durability and efficiency, still required treatment processes that were previously conducted abroad. The entry of Curtiss-Wright signifies that a significant portion of this critical work can now be retained within Morocco, effectively minimizing production delays and allowing local manufacturers to capture a larger share of the economic value associated with each aircraft component. Currently, Morocco's aerospace sector boasts more than 155 companies, employs over 25,000 skilled workers, and generates nearly $3 billion in annual exports. The local integration rate stands at an impressive 42%, with the industry enjoying an average annual growth rate of about 17% over the last two decades.
Curtiss-Wright Makes Its African Debut
Ray Lopuc, senior vice-president and head of Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies’ Metal Improvement Company division, emphasized that this project represents a new chapter in the group’s collaboration with Morocco. He noted that this initiative marks Curtiss-Wright’s first entry point into Africa, with plans for future expansions beyond Casablanca to various regions within the country. The company is known for supplying advanced components, control systems, onboard electronics, and specialized engineering services to the aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, and industrial sectors. Its new Moroccan facility will cater to aircraft manufacturers and suppliers in need of metal components that can endure extreme pressure and challenging operational conditions.
The timing of this agreement aligns with Safran Landing Systems' recent decision to invest €280 million (approximately $332 million) in a significant landing gear factory located near Casablanca. This new facility, expected to commence operations in 2029, will manufacture landing gear for Airbus A320-family aircraft as well as future short- and medium-haul aircraft. The specialized surface treatments required for these components will create a direct demand for Curtiss-Wright’s expertise and services. Ali Seddiki, director-general of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, expressed that attracting a specialized-process provider of Curtiss-Wright’s caliber underscores Morocco’s capability to produce substantial volumes of critical, high-value aircraft parts. Additionally, this project is anticipated to enhance technical training through Casablanca's Institut des Métiers de l’Aéronautique, further supporting Morocco’s ambitions in future aviation, space, and defense programs. Ultimately, this agreement marks a significant milestone for Morocco, bringing previously outsourced processes back home and advancing the kingdom’s industrial aspirations as envisioned by King Mohammed VI.
As reported by africa.businessinsider.com.
