Industry Minister Inspects Ferrovial Complex in Annaba to Boost Rail Manufacturing

Algeria’s Minister of Industry, Yahia Bachir, carried out a working and inspection visit on Thursday to Annaba Province, where he reviewed the operations of the Ferrovial complex, a key player in the production of railway equipment and infrastructure.

Accompanied by the Governor of Annaba, Abdelkrim Laamouri, the minister received a detailed presentation on the complex’s activities. The briefing covered its industrial and production capacities, the performance of its various units, ongoing development programs, and the strategic projects it oversees as a major contributor to the rail sector.

During the visit, the minister toured several production workshops, examining the different stages of manufacturing railway equipment and assessing the level of technical mastery, as well as the human and technological resources available. He also reviewed plans aimed at expanding production capacity to meet growing national demand.

Particular attention was given to the complex’s role in national strategic projects, especially its contribution to the eastern mining railway line through the production of phosphate transport wagons.

Officials highlighted the economic and social impact of these projects, which are expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs across participating industrial entities, including around 500 positions within the Ferrovial complex itself. The initiatives also offer opportunities for training and employing national talent, particularly university graduates and vocational trainees.

At the end of the visit, the minister issued several directives, notably the need to strengthen industrial subcontracting to increase local integration, enhance workforce training, and support industrial transformation. He also stressed the importance of strict quality control to meet national and international standards and improve competitiveness.

Furthermore, Bachir called for stronger industrial integration between national enterprises, particularly between Ferrovial and the El Hadjar steel complex, to build a comprehensive value chain in the iron and steel sector. This approach aims to reduce import dependency, boost domestic production, and reinforce Algeria’s industrial sovereignty while encouraging foreign partnerships that facilitate technology transfer and capacity development.