Manufacturers Association of Israel

The Northern branch, located in the city of Haifa, serves over 600 different member organizations which are responsible for around one third of all the industrial manpower in Israel.

The Southern branch, located near the city of Be’er Sheva, serves over 350 different member organizations.

In 1921 the Association of Manufacturers and Employers was founded by a group of Jewish industrialists, led by Arie Shenkar, during the British Mandate for Palestine period.

The main objectives of the association were “to help factory owners raise capital, work together as a group in dealing with workers’ union, and contend with the authorities in matters related to taxes, levies, import restrictions, etc.” However, the primary objective was to “promote the dream of a flourishing Zionist industry” in the creation of the State of Israel.

On top of that the division provides counseling, research and representation services for MAI Members in related topics.

It conducts collective bargaining over labor legislation and agreements, and advocates for improved local curricula of vocational training.

The division's operations are directed and supervised by the association's Finance Committee, composed of public officials.

Membership in the association is open to any company dealing with design of electronics and software products with minimum added value of 45%.

The main objective is to create a supportive business environment for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries operating in Israel.