Global corrugated packaging company Smurfit Kappa has expanded its operations in Africa with the launch of a new integrated corrugated plant in Rabat, Morocco.

The company invested more than €35m ($38.5m) in the facility, with it becoming operational from its ground-breaking ceremony within seven months. It will support 400 direct and indirect jobs.

The 25,000m² facility will serve companies engaging in the industrial, agricultural, fast-moving consumer goods, automotive, pharmacauetical, and ceramics sectors across Morocco and the rest of the world.

Kappa’s Rabat facility will also house Experience Centres, which will showcase the latest innovations in packaging solutions. 

With sustainability in mind, the company installed approximately 1,500 solar panels to power the new plant, which will save 55% of electricity and 900 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

In addition, the plant features a purification and water treatment system, which it says will reduce water consumption by 50%.

Smurfit Kappa CEO Tony Smurfit said: “Our first corrugated operation in North Africa is an exciting step for Smurfit Kappa and we’re delighted to unveil our state-of-the-art Moroccan facility. We continue to innovate and give our customers a great product in a sustainable way.

“We’re combining our global scale and expertise with our local team’s best-in-class knowledge to provide the best service to our customers. Morocco’s geographical location complements our operations in Europe and adds to our global footprint which is a competitive advantage.”

The company has invested roughly €4.7bn in the last five years to support its customers and drive its long-term growth.

In May last year, Kappa completed the expansion of its Pruszków corrugated manufacturing facility in Poland.