23 November 2025, Tunisia – NTN Corporation has announced plans to launch its first manufacturing operation on the African continent, selecting Tunisia as the host country. The new facility, dedicated to producing parts for the automotive industry, will be located in La Manouba, one of the country’s key industrial zones. The move marks a significant step in NTN’s long-term strategy to expand into new global regions.
NTN’s interest in Tunisia has been steadily building over the past two years. The company’s initial entry came through a partnership between its European subsidiary, NTN Europe, and the Tunisian shock absorber manufacturer LTM, signed in late 2023. That agreement allowed NTN to assess Tunisia’s industrial capabilities and the quality of its workforce.
The collaboration proved successful: in May 2025, NTN Europe acquired a 35% stake in LTM, shifting from a distribution partnership to strategic co-ownership of production.
This positive experience laid the groundwork for a more ambitious step, the construction of a standalone NTN factory in Tunisia, officially announced in October 2025. During a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Industry, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, NTN President and CEO Eiichi Ukai outlined the details of the company’s investment plans. NTN cited Tunisia’s market stability and the growth potential of its automotive sector as key factors behind the decision.
For Tunisia, the project carries major strategic weight. It is expected to create jobs, boost exports, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional hub for automotive component manufacturing.
Founded in 1918, NTN Corporation operates 207 production sites across 33 countries. Industry experts say its decision to debut its African operations in Tunisia is a landmark development, one that could significantly enhance the investment appeal of the entire region.
