French aerospace firm Safran is to establish a new CFM International Leap engine production facility in Morocco, to support its ramp-up plans for the powerplant.

Located in Casablanca, it will complement the French manufacturing site at Villaroche, and have the capacity to build up to 350 engines annually.

The Leap-1A is an option on the Airbus A320neo family, while the Leap-1B exclusively powers the Boeing 737 Max. Leap-1C engines are fitted to the Chinese Comac C919.

Safran intends to open the €200 million ($233 million) plant, with an area of 13,000m², by the end of 2027.

With both Airbus and Boeing aiming to increase single-aisle aircraft output, the new Moroccan site will support ambitions to raise annual Leap production to 2,500 from 2028.

Safran confirmed its plan for the facility during a launch ceremony for a Leap maintenance centre, also in Casablanca.

This €120 million centre will have the ability to deal with 150 engines per year once it becomes operational in 2027.

“By strengthening its presence here, Safran demonstrates its strong commitment to developing the Moroccan aerospace industry and boosting the local economy,” says Safran chief Olivier Andries.

Safran is also expanding three other industrial sites in the country, including its Aerosystems operation in Tiflet.