Omer concludes a chapter of over a decade as Plastokit Plant Manager. Noa, who grew within the company from an entry-level position as a production worker to various management roles, will continue to lead Plastokit forward.

After 11 years at Plastokit, Omer Kraus, the Plant Manager, has concluded his role at the company. “This is the longest and most significant professional chapter of my life,” Omer shares emotionally in his farewell interview. His journey at Plastokit began shortly after he returned from a stay in the US, coinciding with the company’s acquisition by Rion – a period of significant structural and cultural changes in the factory.

“Initially, most of the changes were mostly structural and organizational,” he explains, “but Rion wanted to implement true cultural integration between the two companies, which was quite a difficult task. One of my most significant challenges at the beginning of my tenure was to create this connection, to unite us all, so that we would no longer have an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality but rather be one cohesive company.” It was a complex mission of instilling a new culture alongside day-to-day management challenges.

And there were many diverse operational and organizational challenges: “We had over a hundred clients, eight of whom were major, and each required meticulous attention. Beyond that, we had to decide which clients to move forward with, and which to part ways with because they weren’t part of the company’s core business. This streamlining process was a key focus for me, and it wasn’t just about the organization – we had to change the layout of the production floor for a better flow of materials and work, we purchased and upgraded machinery, we standardized work procedures, we built new departments and improved the operations of existing ones, and more.”

During his tenure, Omer not only managed but also built and upgraded Plastokit. “I led an organizational change where I began to directly manage the department heads, without the management stepping in between. This move streamlined communication and shortened processes, while also leading to the promotion and training of new managers. Additionally, we separated the roles of Shift Managers and Setup Technicians, with the goal of making the Setup Technicians more professional and transferring the more routine shift management to other hands.” This shift management, by the way, was transitioned to female leadership, another move Omer promoted.

He is particularly proud of Noa stepping into his role, which was part of his vision for promoting people from within the company. “I trust Noa, and I was the one who suggested she replace me. I believe she will lead the factory forward to new heights,” he declares. “The management and Ofir, the CEO, are giving her their full backing.”

Omer leaves Plastokit with a heavy but proud heart. “I’m sad to leave Plastokit and I feel a connection to every employee. It’s important to me that the company continues on the good path it’s on.” His concern for the company’s future and the well-being of its employees is evident in every word.

From Production Worker to Plant Manager: The Journey of Noa Avraham

Taking Omer’s place is Noa Avraham, an inspiring success story of growth and development from within the company. Noa began her journey at Plastokit as a production worker nearly 12 years ago. “I started as a production worker right around the age of 20,” she says. With the acquisition by Rion, she received her first opportunity to manage a shift. “I love challenges; they don’t scare me,” she says. “Being a shift manager was a new concept for everyone and represented a shift in perception for the veteran team, but I think that’s what strengthened me and I learned a lot from it.”

Noa did not rest on her laurels. After about a year and a half, she began her studies in Industrial Engineering and Management, with the full support of the company. To ensure her work didn’t conflict with her studies, she moved to manage the assembly department for three years. Afterward, she served as the Deputy Production Manager, a role in which she gained extensive experience managing large teams. For the past two years, she has been the Production Manager, following the retirement of her predecessor. “I gained a lot of knowledge and tips from Omer and learned from his management experience,” she notes gratefully. Omer sees Noa as an inspiration: “Noa reflects what I love – development from the ground up to top positions, and it truly moves me to see her step into this role.”

A Look to the Future: Challenges and Opportunities

The transition from Omer to Noa symbolizes not just a change of roles, but also a natural and exciting development at Plastokit. Noa enters the position with full support and high expectations. “I hope that in my new role I can continue to advance and succeed. It’s important to me that the company continues to produce to the satisfaction of our diverse customers,” she expresses hopefully.

Omer, for his part, is confident in her abilities: “The challenge is always to build a team of ‘dream achievers’.” He believes in promoting from within and emphasizes that management roles are not about gender or color: “The person who is best for the job is the one who does it.”

This change of roles promises to inject new spirit and great energy into Plastokit, while preserving the values and achievements that have been shaped over the years. All of us at Rion wish them both great success on their new paths.