Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt’s Helwan for Foundries: Quietly powering industry and innovation
In the southern outskirts of Cairo, in the vibrant district of Helwan, a remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and skilled craftsmanship is quietly unfolding. Egyptian Minister of State for Military Production, Mohamed Salah El-Din Mostafa, recently visited the Helwan Company for Foundries—known locally as "Factory 9"—where he met with engineers, technicians, and workers to encourage and inspire them as they build the foundations of both the country’s industrial capabilities and its economic future.
Factory 9 may not be a household name outside Egypt, but its impact resonates far beyond the factory gates. Equipped with specialized foundries, state-of-the-art machinery, and generations of skilled workers, Helwan for Foundries supplies critical, high-precision metal castings for Egypt’s military and civilian industries alike. From automotive parts to sophisticated infrastructure components, the products manufactured here support everything from rail transport to modern sanitation systems.
Minister Salah expressed deep appreciation for the workers’ dedication and expertise during his visit, emphasizing that their work “adds real value to the Egyptian economy and supports our path toward national development.” He encouraged staff to continue their tireless efforts, stating, “The next phase requires even greater diligence to complete our journey of production, construction, and growth.”
During the meeting, the Minister took time to listen empathetically to the professional and personal concerns of the workers, assuring them that their suggestions and needs would be carefully considered within the law and organizational regulations. He stressed his commitment to fairness, equal opportunities, and rewarding excellence, while also making clear that accountability would be upheld. “Despite the global challenges we all feel, I am confident that with hard work, focus, and creativity, we will attract more investment and advance research and development, strengthening the backbone of our national industry,” he said warmly.
The Minister also underlined the importance of safety on the factory floor, particularly given the complex, high-temperature operations involved in metal casting. “Protecting every worker matters deeply,” he insisted, reinforcing guidelines on the use of protective gear, responsible handling of equipment, and safe storage practices. He urged the sharing of experience and knowledge between senior and younger employees—a nurturing approach designed to keep Helwan’s legacy of expertise alive for generations to come.
Helwan for Foundries has continually upgraded its technology portfolio. Its production lines handle the full spectrum of casting needs—large and small, simple and highly complex—meeting both civilian requirements (like car brake pads, water drainage systems, and refrigerator engines) and specialized military demands. Impressively, some of the products manufactured here, such as ship-mooring bollards, are unique in all of Egypt and the wider Middle East.
Recently, the factory invested in a cutting-edge sand processing station—a move that will dramatically boost product quality and reduce waste, making the company more competitive while supporting Egypt's national goals for sustainable growth.
As Egypt faces a rapidly changing world, spaces like the Helwan Company for Foundries stand as beacons of perseverance, adaptability, and national pride. The Minister’s support underscores a message of togetherness and shared purpose. For the workers of Factory 9—and for the millions of Egyptians who rely on what they build—this is more than metal and machines. It is a living promise of progress, hope, and a sustainable future for all.