Economic Impact
Israeli Irrigation Equipment Manufacturer Netafim Opens Plant in Morocco
February 28, 2023
Israeli irrigation equipment manufacturer Netafim announced today the opening of its first North African manufacturing plant in Morocco.
According to a statement from the company, the plant will officially open on March 3 in Kenitra, Morocco, and hopes to generate 200 jobs.
The company says that the plant would boost the local supply of precision irrigation systems in Morocco and “strengthen the country’s agricultural sector.”
Noting the potential of the new plant and the role it can play in supporting agriculture activities in the country, the company said in the statement that Morocco’s “prime location in the heart of EMEA and extensive transport infrastructure enables its high-value crops to be easily shipped to European markets.”
As part of the Moroccan government initiative they plan to develop “ a million hectares of agricultural land while conserving water and creating 350,000 jobs for young people.” The statement added that the country’s “Green Morocco and Green Generation 2020-2030 plans, to support and modernize the agricultural sector.”
Commenting on the news of opening the new plant, Executive Vice President and President of Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business, Gaby Miodownik, said: “Opening this plant is both the culmination of our investment in the region and a gateway to further expansion.”
The vice president noted that the company “is proud to support the Green Morocco and Green Generation plans championed by the government to realize the potential of Morocco’s diverse and rich natural landscape and climate.”
Miodownik further added that “Netafim’s sustainable farming practices will help the Moroccan people and the wider region achieve prosperity and agricultural resilience.”
On his part, Senior Vice President of Netafim’s EMEA division, Gal Yarden said that “Netafim’s factory is built right in the heart of an agricultural region to enable farmers in Morocco and across North Africa to derive enormous benefit from precision irrigation.”