Safari Group and Knauf Group recently agreed on an investment in their Moroccan joint venture CMPE (Compagnie Marocaine de Plâtre et d’Enduit) to build a new state-of-the-art plasterboard production facility in Sidi-Tiji, province of Safi. For more than 50 years, CMPE has been Morocco’s leading producer and exporter of gypsum plaster and the company is today the largest producer in Africa. Knauf and Safari are partners in CMPE for 22 years.
“Our investment decision in a new plasterboard plant shows our trust in the growth of the Moroccan market and will strengthen the leading position of CMPE. Also, this investment aligns with the Moroccan government’s guidance to reduce importations and develop a competitive local industry of excellence. With our new production, we will supply the Moroccan market and export to Sub-Saharan markets”, stated Saïda Lamrani Karim, CEO of Group SAFARI and Jörg Kampmeyer, General Partner of the Knauf Group.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies, and CMPE for this project.
The production facility, which will be located in the industrial park of Sidi-Tiji in the Safi region, is expected to create around 100 direct jobs and more than 500 indirect jobs. It will be designed and constructed by Knauf Engineering GmbH, and leading German companies will supply the major part of the equipment. The advanced technology chosen for this project will significantly reduce energy and water consumption compared to any existing « conventional » plasterboard plant and will make the Sidi-Tiji plant a flagship project in terms of efficiency and sustainability.
In connection with this new plant, CMPE will open new training centers in Morocco with the aim to teach applicators, and raise awareness among architects and building engineers on design and application of modern drywall systems.
With the investment in a modern line of production as well as training centers, both Knauf and the Safari Group aim to contribute to the further development of productivity, safety and sustainability in the Moroccan building industry.
