Renault Trucks has commenced construction of an assembly plant in Meftah, Algeria, where it will assemble C and K range vehicles for the local market.

In order to comply with new Algerian regulations, vehicles will be manufactured at the Soprovi assembly plant. Renault Trucks and the BSF Soukari group signed a shareholder joint-venture agreement in August, and construction of the new plant began earlier this month, according to the automaker.

Renault Trucks Algeria and its network employ nearly 600 people, according to Renault Trucks. The Algerian European truck manufacturer has almost a 40% share of the 16-ton market for European vehicles.

Approximately 1,000 vehicles are set to be assembled in 2018 and 2,000 in 2019. The plant is set to create nearly 500 jobs, including 200 direct jobs and will be mainly dedicated to assembling Renault Trucks C and K ranges. The Soprovi plant is being built in Meftah, in the province of Blida.

This new Algerian production site confirms the commitment of Renault Trucks to the Algerian market and is set to play a long-term role in the economic and social development of the country, according to Renault.