Swedish technical textile group Borgstena has selected Tunisia as the location for its latest industrial expansion, reinforcing the country’s growing role as a hub for advanced textile manufacturing in the automotive sector.
The new production facility, operated under the subsidiary Dual Borgstena Trim Tunisia, is located in El Alia/Aousja in the Bizerte governorate. The site is dedicated to the manufacturing of high-value automotive textile components, including trims, interior coverings, and reinforcement materials used in vehicle interiors.
Strengthening Tunisia’s Position in Technical Textiles
The investment reflects increasing international confidence in Tunisia’s industrial capabilities, particularly in technical textiles and automotive supply chains. The project follows a series of engagements between Borgstena and local stakeholders, including the Tunisian Federation of Textiles and Apparel and the Tunisian Automotive Association, highlighting a coordinated approach to attracting foreign investment.
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During an official visit to the facility on March 25, 2026, Sweden’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Cecilia Wramsten, emphasized the significance of the project as a signal of investor trust in the country’s skilled workforce and industrial ecosystem.
Expanding Global Production Network
Founded in 1925, Borgstena has developed into a global supplier of automotive textile solutions, combining design-driven innovation with advanced engineering capabilities. The company operates across the full textile value chain, from yarn extrusion and dyeing to fabric production technologies such as circular knitting, flat knitting, and weaving, followed by cutting, sewing, and specialized finishing.
Its product portfolio includes seat fabrics, headliner and door panel coverings, and integrated interior textile systems designed to meet both performance and comfort requirements in modern vehicles.
Strategic Location for Automotive Supply Chains
The expansion into Tunisia aligns with broader industry trends, where manufacturers are diversifying production bases to optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and improve proximity to key markets.
Prior to this investment, Borgstena had established a strong international presence across Europe, South America, and Asia, with operations in countries including Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, Brazil, and China, as well as partnerships in Southeast Asia.
Growing Role of North Africa in Automotive Textiles
Borgstena’s move underscores the rising importance of North Africa—particularly Tunisia—as a competitive destination for automotive and technical textile production. Factors such as geographic proximity to Europe, a skilled labor force, and an evolving industrial infrastructure are increasingly attracting global manufacturers.
As demand for advanced automotive interiors continues to grow, investments of this nature are expected to further integrate Tunisia into global value chains, strengthening its position in the technical textiles segment.
