MSA Safety opens new operations centre in Morocco

Safety equipment manufacturer and supplier MSA Safety announced the opening of a new complex that will serve as the US company's operations centre in Morocco. The company said in a press release that the "huge" newly built facility will focus on manufacturing a variety of common Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) products. 

In the statement, they confirm that the new unit was designed to meet increased demand for safety equipment in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). MSA international vice president and president of the Morocco Command, Bob Leenen: "This new facility provides an excellent working environment for the growing team and is our requirement in all regions. Our confidence in the employees and management team in Morocco is why we are investing here". 

The company, based in Pennsylvania, USA, has been operating in Morocco since 2002 following the acquisition of CGF Gallet of France. MSA Safety was founded in 1914 with a mission to ensure the safety of workers and infrastructure through advanced products, technologies and solutions, according to the company's website. 

The company operates in a variety of markets and has more than 5,000 employees in more than 40 locations worldwide. By 2022, sales will reach 1.5 billion dollars. According to MSA MissionOPS Vice President of Security Jose Sanchez, this expansion is in line with the company's strategy: to invest in growth areas and meet the demand for security products. 

The heads of the company's team at the Moroccan sites were recognised in 2021 with the John T. Ryan Security Excellence Award. The award, which is internal in nature, honours the company's commitment to the safety culture and mission. 

In Sanchez's words, the investment in a larger facility will optimise the manufacturing footprint to better serve our key markets in EMEA, support growth objectives and maintain a high level of customer service.