According to the vision of Chairman Amir Peretz, former Defense Minister, and Mayor Itzik Danino, the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) inaugurated today (Monday) the new electronics manufacturing plant Ofek in Ofakim with an investment of tens of millions of shekels.
The inauguration took place in the presence of the Regional Cooperation Minister and the Supervisor of the Government Companies Authority, Dudi Amsalem, Chairman of the Economic Committee MK David Bitan, MK Shalom Danino, the CEO of the Investment Authority at the Economy and Industry Ministry, members of the board and management of IAI, CEO of Eltel, Shai Ben-Dov, and other guests.
The opening of the new plant in Ofakim, thanks to the hard work of the establishment team led by the company's management representative, attorney Adi Hershtat, represents an unprecedented achievement, coming just seven months after the IAI board approved Chairman Amir Peretz's decision to establish the plant, following his visit to the border communities and Ofakim immediately after the events of October 7.
The establishment of the electronics manufacturing plant in Ofakim, expected to meet the company's business needs, is part of the company's strategy led by the chairman and the management of IAI for the development of the Negev and the south. This follows the establishment of the innovative land factory in Beersheva in February of this year, which is expected to employ about 500 workers from Ofakim and the Gaza border area and promote new and existing collaborations with academia in the south.
The plant, covering an area of 1,600 square meters, is located near the train station in Ofakim, and is expected to employ about 100 workers by 2025, including engineers, technicians, and skilled workers who will undergo professional training by IAI.
So far, about 40 workers have been recruited, all residents of the south, half of whom are from Ofakim for various positions. Further recruitment for additional engineering and manufacturing positions will be opened later.
The establishment of the plant was made possible under an establishment agreement between Eltel, a subsidiary of IAI’s Eltel Division, in partnership with MALAM TEAM and IAI, aimed at strengthening manufacturing capabilities in Israel for the benefit of the Israeli security system. The plant will engage in the assembly of electronic circuits using SMT technology, soldering components through Hole Through with selective or manual soldering technology, performing integrated electromechanical assemblies while meeting military standards, conducting electrical tests, manufacturing wiring harnesses for civil and military systems while complying with required standards, replacing solder alloy for BGA components to improve assembly reliability, and changing coating for SMT components to meet military standards. The plant is expected to supply the needs of IAI divisions with a commitment to procurement totaling approximately $38 million over the next four years.
Chairman of IAI, Amir Peretz: “The plant, established in record time from the moment of approval, will serve as a beacon for the entire city, and will be a response to all our enemies who harmed us and sought to break our spirit. We are committed to continuing to hold on to this piece of land, even if the reality is difficult, even if the reality bleeds from time to time, we, the residents of the border area, remain here!"
"Seven months after my visit here, we are standing before the production floor, and the production workers are the entire act and the answer to the most important questions challenging the State of Israel today. When we talk about unity, all the workers—engineers, technicians, and production workers—are united here. Because when we talk about a bridge between religious and secular, between Ashkenazim and Sephardim, between the left and the right, here on the production floor the walls fall and everyone feels united and works shoulder to shoulder to meet the mission of the success of the plant that will become, with God's help, a bridge."
The Regional Cooperation Minister, who oversees government companies, Dudi Amsalem: “I love and am proud of the people here. Of Chairman Amir Peretz, CEO Boaz Levy, and Chairman of the Workers' Committee Yair Katz. A trio that works in harmony and brings the organization and industry to impressive achievements. You have done something that is a national pride, and the seeds sown today will be harvested in the future, in the coming years, ensuring future generations. Your investment and dedication are worthy of all praise; well done to all those involved in the work!"
CEO of IAI, Boaz Levy: "In the past year, the whole world has witnessed the impressive performances of the IAI systems, in the face of a long line of unprecedented threats, attacks from Iran and its proxies. These successes are the fruits of the extensive investment of the company in research and development and groundbreaking innovation, leading to continuous growth and expansion of IAI's operations, both locally and globally."
"IAI is proud of these achievements and its ability to harness its advantages for the benefit of Israel's security, economy, and future. The new plant we are inaugurating in Ofakim will produce components for the company's systems across all arenas and will serve as a unique technological knowledge center in the country, providing solutions for the Israeli security system and our customers around the world."
Mayor of Ofakim, Itzik Danino: "The establishment of the "Ofek'"plant in Ofakim symbolizes renewal, hope, and the resilience of our state. The establishment of this plant in Ofakim has significant implications, especially in light of these days that we are all experiencing."
"In a city that has paid such a heavy price in the brutal terror attack, a factory has been established that will dedicate all its activities to continue strengthening and fortifying the security of the state. There is no doubt that we enjoy significant security superiority over our enemies thanks to the activities of IAI, which has gained an international reputation. Thanks to groundbreaking developments, life-saving technologies, we are able to strike at our enemies with all our might. We expect that the plant will contribute greatly to the local economy and strengthen our dear community."
"I firmly believe that Ofakim's focus on the agritech sector, combined with an education system, academia, and employment, will be a central factor in the economic, employment, and social resilience of the city of Ofakim."
"I want to thank my dear friend, Chairman of IAI, Amir Peretz, in this difficult hour for the city. You came to us not only to say a good word and not just to express solidarity but to take action and bring historical tidings to the city in one of its darkest hours. Thank you for turning vision into reality. For many years of genuine partnership and a decision that strengthens the economic security of the city and the national security of Israel. We will continue to work for a better future for Ofakim and the entire State of Israel. With God's help, we will all know better days."