Located in Sousse, DRÄXLMAIER Tunisia’s IT Center is part of the IT central delivery structure and has a specific focus on certain areas such as developing cutting-edge software applications for the Group's global operations and it provides a platform for highly skilled software engineers, experts and consultants, business analysts, and IT architects.

In this interview, Mohamed Bader Boughattas, Head of IT Africa, shares his vision of the mission, achievements, and future outlook of the IT Center in Tunisia.

How does the IT Center in Sousse contribute to DRÄXLMAIER’s global software development initiatives?

The IT Center in Tunisia has become a cornerstone of DRÄXLMAIER’s global IT strategy. When we began in 2019 with just seven passionate pioneers, our ambition was clear: to bring value far beyond our borders. Today, the team has grown to more than seventy experts who support and deliver solutions to every DRÄXLMAIER location worldwide, reflecting both the trust the Group places in us and the maturity we have reached.

Our role extends from designing and implementing software applications to ensuring that processes remain seamlessly connected across continents. Through constant collaboration with colleagues around the world, we support some of the Group’s most strategic initiatives. This dynamic partnership allows us to consistently deliver milestones that reinforce DRÄXLMAIER’s position as an innovative technology leader in the automotive industry.

Can you share a success story where your team’s solution improved operational efficiency?

One of the most notable examples of our impact is the global architecture of PLMnext, which is fully driven from Tunisia. Over the years it has become a reference framework for asset and lifecycle management across DRÄXLMAIER plants, significantly improving transparency and operational efficiency.

We also carry the full global responsibility for the DRÄXLMAIER network infrastructure, ensuring stable connectivity for thousands of users across continents. This critical role demonstrates both the technical depth and the operational reliability of the teams in Tunisia.

Our expertise is just as visible in our contribution to major corporate platforms such as SAP, Boomi and ABAP. Our SAP consultants and architects are regularly involved in transforming processes and simplifying integration across sites. At the Test Factory, our team continues to exceed expectations by delivering results that reinforce the Group’s digital evolution.

A key strength of our Center is our people. Nearly a quarter of our team comes from DRÄXLMAIER’s internal IT community, making the Sousse IT Center a true talent incubator where ambitious colleagues can grow without limits and build international careers.

What makes the Sousse IT Center a hub for top tech talent within the Group?

The Sousse IT Center stands out thanks to its vibrant environment where developers, architects, consultants, and infrastructure specialists are creating solutions that have a global impact. The atmosphere is international, fast‑moving, and built on a strong team spirit that encourages creativity and continuous learning.

Our strong partnership with universities such as ENISo and ISIT’Com also plays a key role in attracting top talent. Through tailored trainings, for example in SAP ABAP, Salesforce development, and cybersecurity, alongside internships and end‑of‑study projects, we help prepare future engineers for real industry challenges while ensuring a steady pipeline of young professionals ready to support our global innovation efforts.

How do you ensure innovation and agility in a fast-paced automotive tech environment?

Innovation and agility are part of our DNA. Our team combines consultancy expertise with technical excellence, enabling us to adapt quickly to changing requirements. From first-level support to advanced software architecture, every role contributes to a culture of continuous improvement.

We encourage experimentation and open communication, ensuring that new ideas are tested and implemented rapidly. This approach keeps us ahead in an industry where speed and precision are critical.

To further strengthen our innovative capabilities, we have also created a dedicated AI and digitalization department, driving forward advanced analytics, automation initiatives and digital shopfloor solutions.

What future technologies is your team exploring to support global operations?

Our exploration of future technologies is guided by one principle: creating solutions that make DRÄXLMAIER more intelligent, more connected and more scalable. We are currently investing in AI-driven analytics that support predictive quality and smarter decision-making, as well as IoT integration that connects the shopfloor in new and meaningful ways.

Cloud-based microservices are becoming a key element of our future application landscape, while low‑code platforms enable our teams to deliver solutions at a speed that would have been impossible a few years ago. Alongside these innovations, our experts also play a central role in some of the Group’s most strategic digital programs; such as SAP, AURORA, and CATENA-X, where their contributions help align DRÄXLMAIER with the future standards of the automotive industry. 

These technologies will not only enhance efficiency but also strengthen DRÄXLMAIER’s position as a leader in digital transformation within the automotive sector.