On Sunday in Batna, the signing of the handover agreements for the car assembly plant in Jerma and its associated dry port in the municipality of Seriana was completed. These facilities have been transferred to the Algerian Public Foundry Enterprise (FONDALE). This move follows the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune regarding the redistribution of assets seized through final court rulings. It also aligns with the outcomes of a recent meeting held by the Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, with the CEOs of state-owned groups and holding companies that have benefited from these seized assets.
Noureddine Salhi, the director of FONDALE, confirmed that the company will maintain the car assembly and manufacturing activities at this major plant, along with retaining the existing workforce. He emphasized that the company aims to achieve a 50% local integration rate for spare parts production, considering the plant a valuable addition to Algerian industry.
During a visit to the plant, accompanied by the Wali of Batna, Salhi highlighted efforts to quickly resume operations, noting that the equipment is in good condition and ready for use, which will support both the local and national economy.
Additionally, the Wali of Batna, Mohamed Ben Malik, underscored the importance of restarting the plant to drive development in the region, which has recently seen the recovery of several production units, including a brick factory and the strategically located dry port.
The Jerma car assembly plant, which has been idle since 2020, covers a total area of 74 hectares, with 6 hectares developed. The associated dry port, located near Mustafa Ben Boulaid International Airport in Seriana, spans 3 hectares, according to the Directorate of State Property. For more details, visit DZWatch.dz
