French firm delays manufacturing set-up in Tunis

French engine parts manufacturer Figeac Aéro has postponed the opening of its new production facility in Tunisia as a result of the civil unrest in the country earlier this year.

Figeac had planned to begin lower-value production in Tunisia at the start of the year as part of a sub-contract deal wiith EADS subsidiary Aerolia. The company had announced plans to open its own 10,000m² at the M'Ghira aeronautics business park, near Tunis at the start of next year.

But the uprising in the country and uncertainty led to the French firm putting the new building on hold and the equipment remains in storage in France until the situation is stabilised. Figeac is understood to be waiting until after the June elections before commencing the construction of the manufacturing plant which will take 12 months to complete.