RABAT, March 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. auto company Nexteer launched Thursday the construction of its first plant in Africa in the Moroccan city of Kenitra.

Spanning over 18,000 square meters, the factory, which will employ some 500 workers, is expected to begin production in 2019.

The facility will initially be used for manufacturing Single Pinion-assist Electric Power Steering (SPEPS) systems, with plans to extend manufacturing to driveline products in the future.

Nexteer inked a memorandum of understanding with the Moroccan Government in July last year, before signing the official agreement to build the factory in Kenitra last December in Casablanca.

Morocco's auto industry is growing rapidly due to government's incentives as well as other competitive factors.