ZF LIFETEC’s new 8,000 sqm Morocco facility produces premium steering wheels, leveraging TMZ’s ecosystem for European OEM supply chain resilience.
Strategic Expansion Highlights
✅ 8,000 sqm facility in Tanger Med Zones automotive cluster
✅ 350+ employees currently operational
✅ 50th global production site for passive safety systems
✅ Triangular production network: Morocco-Spain-Portugal
Decoding ZF LIFETEC’s Morocco Manufacturing Play
Facility Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Focus | Premium steering wheels |
| Market Reach | Local + European OEMs |
| Workforce | 350 skilled technicians |
| Cluster Benefits | TMZ’s logistics & supplier ecosystem |
Leadership Insights
Rudolf Stark (CEO, ZF LIFETEC):
“Morocco’s craftsmanship meets our precision engineering needs for the driver’s primary vehicle interface.”
Ahmed Bennis (MD, TMZ):
“This investment validates Morocco as an automotive hub blending cost efficiency with EU proximity.”
Three Strategic Advantages
1. Supply Chain Resilience
- 300km to Europe vs 8,000km from Asia
- Just-in-time delivery to Stellantis/Renault plants
2. Craftsmanship Integration
- Hand-stitched leather wraps
- Wood/metal inlays production
3. Sustainability Alignment
- Reduced shipping emissions
- Solar-powered operations planned
Market Context
✔ Morocco Auto Growth: 700K+ vehicles/year production
✔ EU Sourcing Shift: 65% of OEMs diversifying from Asia
✔ Steering Wheel Market: $7.8B global demand by 2027
Event Spotlight:
Inauguration attended by TMZ officials & European automaker reps
Global Network:
Joins existing sites in Spain (O Porriño) & Portugal (Vila Nova)
Sources: Company Release, OICA Production Data
Facility operational since July 2025
