SEOIL Corporation Expands to Africa with New Factory in Settat
In a significant development for Morocco's industrial landscape, SEOIL Corporation, a renowned South Korean manufacturer specializing in beverage straws, has officially opened its first factory on the African continent, located in the Logistique Industrial Zone in Settat. This facility marks the ninth production site for the corporation globally and underscores the rising confidence of foreign investors in Morocco's industrial capabilities. The establishment of this factory is a testament to Morocco’s strategic position as a vital link between African, European, and global markets.
During the inauguration ceremony, CEO Kyung Tae Kim emphasized that this investment aligns with the company’s long-term vision, highlighting their trust in Moroccan competencies and the nation’s attractive geographic location. The factory is not only set to bolster SEOIL’s presence in international markets but also aims to facilitate the transfer of expertise and the development of local skills through training programs and exchanges with other production sites within the company’s network.
Youssef Fadel, the Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that SEOIL’s choice of Morocco reinforces the appeal of the national industrial platform and its capacity to attract value-added international investments. He remarked that this project is a result of concerted efforts to explore investment opportunities and promote economic ties in South Korea, reflecting the industrial dynamism that Morocco is experiencing under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He further highlighted Morocco's modern infrastructure and conducive business environment as key factors in attracting such significant investment.
Moreover, Fadel stated that the new factory is expected to generate over 270 direct job opportunities as well as hundreds of indirect jobs, contributing to the national efforts for sustainable industrial development. Salman Belyaachi, the Director General of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Investment Center, praised the swift realization of this project, which came to fruition in less than two years following initial discussions with the Korean investor. This achievement illustrates the effectiveness of the support provided by various relevant institutions in facilitating foreign investment projects.
In an interview with the press, Samir Filali Chahid, CEO of ZINAFRIK Développement, the company behind the Logistique project, announced that the marketing of the first phase of this industrial and logistics zone has reached 92%, with a second phase set to launch soon for additional industrial units. The development of this platform is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and strengthen the Casablanca-Settat region as a pivotal industrial and logistics hub.
The SEOIL Morocco Corporation factory spans an area of 24,790 square meters and will have an impressive annual production capacity of six billion beverage straws, including three billion paper straws and three billion made from polypropylene and biodegradable materials, with 95% of its production intended for export. The site is also equipped with resource-efficient technologies, including water recycling systems and energy-saving equipment, alongside a project for the installation of photovoltaic panels.
Founded in 1979 in South Korea, SEOIL Corporation serves clients in over 110 countries, supplying more than 50 billion drinking straws annually. The inauguration of its Settat factory marks a new chapter in its international expansion and enhances industrial cooperation between Morocco and South Korea.
As reported by maroc.ma.
