On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Rabat, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Italian tannery group NUTI IVO for the creation of a modern tannery in Morocco. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Ryad Mezzour, and the CEO of the group, Mr. Fabrizio Nuti.

This memorandum, covering the period from 2025 to 2029, involves an investment of over 131.2 million dirhams. It aims to achieve an annual turnover of 300 million dirhams, with more than 90% of the production destined for export, and the creation of 265 direct jobs. The daily production is expected to reach 11,500 hides, sourced primarily from local suppliers.

The project will be developed with a focus on circular economy and sustainability. Solar energy will be used to meet part of the tannery’s electricity needs, and waste will be treated and repurposed, particularly for the production of fertilizers, compost, and gelatin.

“The tanning industry in Morocco is a historic sector undergoing significant transformation to meet environmental challenges and demands. The new modern tannery project by NUTI IVO fits perfectly within this dynamic, meeting market demands for quality and environmental standards. It will provide mid-to-high-end raw materials, offering a significant upgrade opportunity for companies within Morocco’s leather ecosystem,” stated Mr. Mezzour.

NUTI IVO is one of Italy’s leading tannery groups, with a turnover of 150 million euros and over 300 employees. The group has been present in Morocco since 2010 with the Shihara tannery, located in the Sidi Ghanem Industrial Zone in Marrakech. This tannery generates over 109.3 million dirhams in revenue, mainly through exports to Italy, China, and Thailand.