Smurfit Kappa inaugurates its first plant in North Africa

Over the last 5 years, Smurfit Kappa has invested around €4.7 billion to support its customers and capitalise on its long-term growth drivers

The inauguration of the new integrated corrugated plant in Rabat, Morocco, marks Smurfit Kappa’s first operation in North Africa. 

Morocco offers an exciting opportunity, with the OECD forecasting a 3.5% growth rate in 2023 and 3.7% in 2024. The country’s location enables Smurfit Kappa to serve not only the local market but wider regions in Africa.

The Group has invested over €35 million in the 25,000 m2 facility, which was completed from ground-break to operation in seven months and will support 400 direct and indirect jobs. It will serve domestic Moroccan businesses and global companies across different sectors: industrial, agricultural, FMCG, automotive, pharma and ceramics. It also features the newest Experience Centres, part of a network of over 30 centres worldwide, which showcase the latest innovations in packaging solutions.  

Nearly 1,500 solar panels will power the new plant making it Morocco’s first packaging facility which is supplied by green energy ensuring the process is as sustainable as the product. This will save 55% of electricity and 900 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The innovative packaging plant also has a purification and water treatment system that reduces consumption by 50%.

Tony Smurfit, Group CEO, said: “Our first corrugated operation in North Africa is an exciting step for Smurfit Kappa and we’re delighted to unveil our state-of-the-art Moroccan facility. We continue to innovate and give our customers a great product in a sustainable way. We’re combining our global scale and expertise with our local team’s best-in-class knowledge to provide the best service to our customers. Morocco’s geographical location complements our operations in Europe and adds to our global footprint which is a competitive advantage.”