Morocco has secured its first aerospace investment from US engineering group Curtiss-Wright Corporation, bringing a specialised aircraft-component treatment facility to Casablanca and strengthening the country’s position in the global aviation supply chain.

The agreement will allow Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies to establish advanced surface-treatment operations in the Greater Casablanca region, marking the company’s first entry into Africa.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

The project is expected to help Morocco produce more aircraft components locally by adding one of the industry’s most specialised processes to its manufacturing network.

Aircraft parts used in landing gear, engines and other critical systems often require advanced treatments to improve durability and resistance to harsh operating conditions.

For Morocco, the investment represents another step in its efforts to attract global aerospace companies, expand industrial capacity and keep more high-value aircraft production work within the country.

Casablanca closes a gap in Morocco’s aerospace supply chain

Morocco has spent more than two decades building one of Africa’s strongest aerospace industries, with companies involved in precision machining, electrical systems, sheet-metal production, composite materials, assembly and aircraft maintenance.

Despite the sector’s growth, some specialised processes were still carried out abroad, requiring manufacturers to send components overseas for treatment.

Curtiss-Wright’s arrival will allow more of those activities to take place locally, helping suppliers reduce delays and improve efficiency.

The country’s aerospace sector now includes more than 155 companies, employs over 25,000 skilled workers and generates nearly $3 billion in annual exports.

The industry has become a key part of Morocco’s manufacturing strategy, alongside automotive production and renewable energy.

Curtiss-Wright begins Africa expansion from Morocco

Ray Lopuc, senior vice-president of Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies’ Metal Improvement Company division, said the project would create new opportunities for the company and Morocco’s aerospace industry.

“This is an excellent opportunity,” Lopuc said, describing Morocco as Curtiss-Wright’s first operational base in Africa.

He added that the company sees potential to expand its activities beyond Casablanca as demand grows.

The investment comes as Morocco attracts more aircraft manufacturers and suppliers.

Safran Landing Systems is also developing a €280 million ($332 million) landing-gear factory near Casablanca, which is expected to begin operations in 2029 and supply components for Airbus A320-family aircraft and future aircraft programmes.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation, founded in 1929 from companies associated with aviation pioneers Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, provides aerospace, defence, energy and industrial solutions.

The company reported about $3.5 billion in revenue in 2025, has a market value of roughly $27 billion and employs more than 8,900 people worldwide.

The new facility will strengthen Morocco’s aerospace manufacturing network by bringing a critical production process closer to aircraft suppliers and supporting the country’s ambition to become a complete aviation manufacturing centre in Africa.