Industrial property in Morocco — technical specifications

Grade A: ≥ 10m (typically 10-12m), allowing 5-6 rack levels. Grade B: 8-10m. Grade C: < 8m. In Morocco, recent buildings on TMIP, Atlantic Free Zone Kenitra and Mohammedia are mostly Grade A. The historic sites of Ain Sebaa-Hay Mohammadi and Sidi Bernoussi mix all three grades. Grade A/B rent gap is structural — a cubic meter of storage is mechanically more profitable than a square meter of floor.

Grade A reference: 5 tonnes per sqm uniformly distributed, with rack point-loading ≥ 7 tonnes. For heavy manufacturing (presses, machine tools), 10-20 t/sqm required in process zones. In Morocco, often clayey soils in the Casa and Tangier basins require prior geotechnical study (pressiometric tests, soundings) and sometimes deep foundations (piles), weighing on construction cost and DRC.

Grade A norm: one dock per 1,000-1,500 sqm stored. Each dock requires 35-40m manoeuvre yard, climate-controlled airlocks for cold flows, dock leveller (sectional door + hydraulic leveller). Truck access from main axis (motorway, expressway) must avoid urban crossings.

ESFR sprinklage (Early Suppression Fast Response) is the Grade A reference: high-density ceiling heads, dimensioned water source, diesel-electric pumping station with 60-120 min autonomy. Fire compartments (often 6,000 sqm max per cell) limit propagation and condition insurance. A non-sprinklered site suffers significant valuation discount and capped rent.

Reinforced quartz concrete slab for logistics standard; polyurethane resin or epoxy for food and pharma production zones; antistatic for electronics. Flatness (DIN 18202 or EN 13670) is critical for VNA (very narrow aisle) forklifts. A flatness defect forces resurfacing — cost up to MAD 200-400/sqm per sector references.

In Morocco, Law 12-03 on environmental impact assessment (and implementing decree 2-04-563) classifies industrial installations by impact potential. Activities at risk (chemistry, hydrocarbons, food processing) require prior authorisation, containment devices, effluent management plan. Unfavourable classification reduces future use flexibility and depresses value. Law 28-00 on waste imposes compliant treatment solutions.

Sites > 250 kVA: medium-voltage (MV) connection via client substation is required. For data centers and intensive process lines: high-voltage (HV) connection with N+1 redundancy. Presence of steam boiler, compressed air network, process water source, redundant operator fibre creates measurable added value. On TMIP and AFZ Kenitra, these fluids are pre-installed at each lot boundary.

Each technical parameter translates into valuation: Grade A vs B vs C — documented rent discount/premium in comparable grid; ESFR sprinklage present — prerequisite for most modern logistics operators; load-bearing soil, compliant flatness, fluids in place — reduce buyer's CapEx risk; unfavourable ICPE classification — restricts the universe of possible tenants. In a RICS Red Book report, the expert documents each of these points in photos, measurements, certificates — and integrates them into the comparable adjustment grid and DRC (VPGA 5).

• Clear height verified by survey (Grade A: ≥ 10m)
• Floor load capacity certified (Grade A: 5 t/sqm)
• Dock density and manoeuvre yard verified (≥ 35m)
• ESFR sprinklage installed and certified
• Industrial flooring flatness measured (DIN 18202)
• ICPE classification documented (Law 12-03)
• MV/HV power connection capacity confirmed
• Fire compartmentation plan validated

• Grade B/C presented as Grade A in commercial pitch
• No flatness measurement on VNA-handled warehouse
• Absent or non-compliant ESFR sprinklage
• Unfavourable ICPE classification undisclosed
• Power connection insufficient for stated activity