'Tomorrow's biggest exporters' named
What do a company that makes oval-shaped springs, a manufacturer or organic tehina, a company that invented a robot that can operate on a person's spine, and a cosmetics company have in common?
Nordia Springs, RJM Food Industires, Mazor Robotics and Chic Cosmetic Industries have been named the winners of the "Tomorrow's Biggest Exporters" competition, sponsored by Calcalist, the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, and DHL.
Each one of the winners has been awarded $5,000 worth of DHL's express mail service and certificates of merit from the Industry, Trade, and Labor minister.
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Nordia Springs won the industry category. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing oval-shaped springs, and is one of the few in the world whose oval springs meet the standards of the Audi automobile company. The company's revenue for 2011 stood at NIS 48.8 million.
RJM Food Industries launched its organic tehina in 2009 (Illustrative photo: Nati Shafrir)
General Manager Yoram Yairi said that what had helped the company grow was a change in the "economic perception" of the local market. "The local Israeli market is small and volatile – it demands orders on short notice. Unlike the global automotive market, which is planned and demands enormous quantities."
RJM Food Iindustries, based in Migdal Ha'emek, won the consumer food category. The company's products include tehina and halva (in 2009 it launched an organic tehina line intended mainly for export.) Its revenue hit NIS 38 million in 2011. Founder and CEO Jawad Agbaria attributed its success to "choosing raw ingredients with the utmost care, sophisticated equipment, and meeting international quality standards."
Agbaria said that the company, which opened its doors in 2004, has grown in recent years, thanks mainly to new markets and its participation in trade shows.
The Caesarea-based Mazor Robotics won the technology category. The company has developed a robot that significantly reduces the risk of complications in back surgery. Most of the manufacturing is done in Israel, and in 2011 the company's revenue comprised NIS 21.3 million.
According to CFO Sharon Levita, "the system makes complicated operations simple, saving radiation, which is a great advantage for both the doctor and the patient."
Levita explained that the jump in Mazor's revenue stems from its efforts to break into the US market. "A year and a half ago, we had a team of seven working in the US, whereas today we have 20," she said.
Chic Cosmetic Industries of Yavne was the public's choice. The company produces mineral-based cosmetics and a special line of organic cosmetics that contain over 99% natural ingredients.
All of its research and development, as well as manufacturing, takes place in Israel. The company reports that one of its most popular products is its nail polish, which holds over 50% of the nail products market share.
