Just two years after ramping up operations in Tangier, International Paper is expanding again in Morocco—this time heading south. The American packaging giant is investing more than 100 million dirhams to expand its facility in Ait Melloul, near Agadir, signaling a strategic push to boost its presence in the Souss-Massa region.
This move is part of a calculated effort by CMCP International Paper, the group’s Moroccan subsidiary, to meet rising demand from the local agriculture sector. Souss-Massa is a powerhouse for Moroccan exports, particularly fresh produce, where cardboard packaging has become an essential part of the supply chain. The new investment is designed to increase production capacity and strengthen the company’s ability to serve this fast-growing market.
It also sends a clear message to competitors. The company’s main rival, Gharb Papier & Carton, previously poured 115 million dirhams into its own Ait Melloul facility. With both players now heavily invested in the same region, the competition for dominance in southern Morocco’s packaging sector has entered a new phase.
Since entering the Moroccan market in 2005 through the acquisition of leading local player CMCP, International Paper has pursued an aggressive growth strategy. It has expanded facilities in Kenitra, Casablanca, and Agadir; built a new plant in the Tanger Automotive City; and acquired Med Packaging in 2017. The company has also established a strong export focus, especially toward West Africa.
By 2024, International Paper’s Moroccan operations had reached a combined annual revenue of 2.2 billion dirhams, with a workforce of over 1,500 employees. That performance reflects the growing role CMCP International Paper plays in Morocco’s industrial ecosystem.
As Morocco positions itself as a leading industrial and logistics hub in Africa, International Paper’s expansion reinforces the appeal of Moroccan manufacturing, especially in high-value sectors like agri-food logistics and sustainable packaging.
