EBACE: GDC to enter Africa with world class MRO and modifications

GDC Technics is stepping into Africa to develop MRO and modification services across the continent and challenge existing providers in Southern Europe.
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Mohammad Alzeer, general partner of the Texas-headquartered company which was formally known as Gore Design Completions until a takeover by the Saudi-based owners two years ago, is to establish the new facility at Manera airport in Marrakech, Morocco.
“ This will be a centre of excellence across the region,” Alzeer said at yesterday’s EBACE announcement. “We will be bringing the experience we have from the Fort Worth and at our German and Middle Eastern satellites. There are great opportunities here and we look forward to offering the same world class service for modifications and MRO.”
Heading up the business as CEO, GDC Technics Africa, will be Shabbur Pirmohamed who spearheaded the aggressive turnaround at GDC USA.
“The difference today from two years ago when we became involved is the difference from night to day, and that is down to Shabbir’s leadership,” Alzeer says.
Kevin Casey succeeds Shabbir as CEO of the US business.
GDC has embarked on a global expansion programme having recently opened a facility in India and agreed a joint venture in Hong Kong to develop its presence in Asia. “Africa is very important to us,” Alzeer says. “We have worked closely with the Moroccan government and we have identified the right site in Marrakech. Marrakech is great place to go to and there is a skilled workforce in Morroco. There is already 10,000 people working in the aerospace industry there. Morocco has an excellent education sysyem, is a multi-lingual country and has a great work ethic.”
GDC will be offering aircraft modification and demonstrating its extensive capabilities in design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, testing and certification to commercial, business and military markets.
“I am asked if I am taking on the Southern European MRO giants. I am not. Competition is good. We will be offering a world class service and will leave it for the clients to decide what to do.”