Tunisia and Airbus in deal to build EUR60 million plant

[Pieter C. 5]

Tunisia, Airbus In Deal To Build EUR60 Mln Plant

 

January 28, 2009

Tunisia and Airbus reached an agreement to build a EUR60 million euros (USD$78.8 million) components factory in Mghira district of Tunis, the firm's manager said on Wednesday.

 

"We have signed with Mohamed Nouri Jouni, Tunisia's Development Minister, the accord by which we will build a factory to produce components for our jets," Fabrice Bregier, general director of Airbus told reporters.

 

"What's interesting in Tunisia is the know-how in manufacturing, its efforts in education and its qualified technicians and engineers," he added to explain why Airbus picked Tunisia among other countries which had sought to host the plant.

 

The factory in Tunisia is the first direct foray for Airbus outside the euro zone, a move which could spark tensions with French unions.

 

"Tunisian site's aim is not ruining jobs in France or Europe but to have a new advantage to be more competitive," Bregier said.

 

The plant site would stretch over 20 hectares with first delivery expected early in 2010. The project will help create 1,500 jobs in Tunisia, Bregier said.

 

(Reuters)