The German industrial group R. STAHL has opened an office in Tunisia to develop its activities related to digital transformation. Initially focused on the local market, the new site may gradually expand its scope to other North African countries. R. STAHL specializes in equipment for explosion protection in industrial environments. The company aims to prioritize industrial digitalization in its operations.
R. STAHL's program of action will focus on digitalization in the short term, according to Tobias Popp, acting CEO and Chief Commercial Officer. The company plans to integrate artificial intelligence in the medium term in response to the needs of various industrial sectors. Targeted sectors include chemicals, oil, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, where critical process management and safety requirements are crucial.
The Tunisian office aims to meet local market needs initially, with a possible gradual extension to other North African countries, although no specific timeline has been announced. Jörn Bousselmi, CEO of the Tunisian-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, noted that this development demonstrates the interest of German companies in Tunisia's human and technical skills, particularly in information technology.
Bousselmi emphasized that companies are moving towards a greater appreciation of Tunisian know-how and intellectual capital, beyond cost advantages. He called for transforming German investor interest into concrete projects and achievements. The opening of the office was marked by R. STAHL's signature of an adhesion agreement with the Tunisian-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
The office opening coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic and economic relations between Tunisia and Germany. R. STAHL designs equipment and systems to prevent explosion risks in sensitive industrial environments. The group employs around 1,600 people worldwide and generates an annual turnover of approximately €300 million.
R. STAHL has several production sites in Germany, India, the United States, the Netherlands, and Norway, as well as an international network comprising a dozen commercial subsidiaries and over 50 distributor partners. The company's expansion into Tunisia highlights its confidence in the country's skills and potential for growth in the region.
The digitalization drive in Tunisia is expected to benefit various sectors, including chemicals, oil, and healthcare. R. STAHL's investment is seen as a significant development in Tunisia's industrial sector, with potential for further growth and collaboration between Tunisian and German companies.
Key points
- R. STAHL opens office in Tunisia to drive digitalization in North Africa
- The office will initially focus on the local market, with potential expansion to other North African countries
- The investment highlights Tunisia's attractiveness to German companies seeking to leverage local skills and expertise in digitalization and industrial growth.
