Interview: Gaby Lopez, Managing Director of Zodiac Aerospace Tunisia, Vice-Chairman of GITAS (Groupement des Industries Tunisiennes Aéronautiques et Spatiales)

How did Zodiac Aeropace get established in Tunisia?

Gaby Lopez - Very gradually. In 2003, we started producing airbags for the automotive industry, and in 2004 we created Zodiac Equipment Tunisia to produce aeronautical components and systems for all the Group's divisions. Zodiac Aerospace Tunisia currently employs 1,300 people.

Why this Tunisian strategy?

G. L. - These various locations have enabled the Group to improve its competitiveness and win new markets. The quality of our production in Tunisia is equivalent to that of other countries in the world where the Group operates. What's more, in Tunisia we benefit from a skilled workforce of French-speaking technicians and engineers.

Is the aerospace market developing in Tunisia?

G. L. - This market is developing very quickly. Airbus in particular has set up its Aerolia subsidiary, which produces aerostructure components. All of this activity will eventually employ nearly 1,400 people in a dedicated industrial zone with a training centre specifically for aerostructure trades. Some fifty aeronautical companies have already set up operations here. Other companies of the same type are setting up or will be setting up, including in the engineering field. Competitive costs, the level of training and the quality of the workforce, proximity to Europe and logistical simplicity are all assets.