Morocco, Curtiss-Wright sign deal to expand aerospace operations

Morocco has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with U.S.-based Curtiss-Wright Corporation, a high-performance engineering company serving the aerospace, defense and industrial sectors, to expand the group's aerospace operations in the kingdom.

The agreement, signed Tuesday at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, will see Curtiss-Wright establish its Surface Technologies (CWST) division in Morocco.

The project aims to develop local surface treatment capabilities in the Greater Casablanca region to serve aerospace manufacturers operating in the kingdom, while strengthening Morocco's industrial expertise in specialized processes and supporting the country's move up the aerospace value chain.

It also reinforces Morocco's position as a competitive manufacturing hub for major international aerospace programs and reflects growing confidence among global manufacturers in the country's industrial ecosystem.

Ray Lopuc, Senior Vice President and head of the Metal Improvement Company division at Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies, said Morocco will host Curtiss-Wright's first operation on the African continent and said the company plans to expand beyond Casablanca into other regions of the kingdom.

«This is an excellent opportunity», Lopuc said, praising Morocco's progress in the aerospace sector and noting that an increasing number of global companies are investing in the country.

Ali Seddiki, Director General of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), said that attracting a global provider of specialized industrial processes reflects the growing volume of high-value aerospace components manufactured in Morocco. He added that the agreement builds on recent strategic investments, including Safran's landing gear project, which is expected to generate demand for Curtiss-Wright's surface treatment services.

Founded in 1929 and headquartered in North Carolina, Curtiss-Wright reported $3.5 billion in revenue in 2025 and employs more than 8,900 people worldwide.

According to AMDIE, Morocco's aerospace industry now includes more than 155 companies, employs over 25,000 people, generates more than $3 billion in exports, has a 42% local integration rate, and has recorded average annual growth of 17% over the past two decades.