Haas Automation Europe opens up first North African facility - more to come

The new HFO opened on 10 June in Casablanca, Morocco and is owned and managed by the well-established and very successful HFO France - Performer CNC. Performer is working in partnership with Technique Acier, a Casablanca-based organisation with many years' experience in the precision engineering sector. More than 80 people attended the grand opening event. "We see great potential in this region," said Alain Reynvoet, managing director for HAE. "The country is improving its infrastructure and foreign companies, including several well known car manufacturers, are investing in local production plants. This is the perfect time for us to enter the growing North Africa market and we are pleased to be doing so in Morocco with our partner, Performer CNC - a company that has an intimate understanding of both the business culture in this region and also of Haas CNC machine tools." Haas Automation says it believes it may well be the first CNC machine tool company to open a dedicated, sales and service facility in Morocco. Traditionally, in countries where Haas has been the first to invest, the company has subsequently enjoyed a consistent, 40% share as the market develops. "We're aiming for at least 25%," says Mr Reynvoet, "and since we have many new, improved products developed over the last two years, we're confident we'll enjoy an even greater share. Our target for the first year is to supply at least 20 Haas machines and to provide customers with a level of service and support that has been missing here for many years." HAE's marketing director, Katja Mader added: "Given the amount of investment taking place in the country – in the transport infrastructure, business and industry, etc, Morocco is the best place in the Maghreb countries for us to begin local sales in North Africa. But, when we find the right partners, we also aim to establish HFOs as soon as possible in Algeria and Tunisia." [] Note: HAE is the European organisation that manages all HFOs in Europe, with the exception of the UK where Haas Automation Ltd operate independently of HAE