Beyond machines and technical data, the true story of Rion lies in its people. In honor of International Women’s Day, we set out to uncover the human stories behind the women in our Supplemental Processing Department.
Our Supplemental Processing Department is more than just machines — it’s built on people, with women at the forefront. They come from different places, speak different languages, but all share the same goal: precision, professionalism, and personal growth within the company.
“Up until a year ago, our department was all men,” says Mohammad Azam, department manager at Rion. “I was keen to integrate women into the team—women who could operate the CNC machines or Column drilling machine. I can confidently say they do an outstanding job, with an eagerness to learn and tackle technical challenges.”
Here are their personal stories:
Olga Vizir – Eight Years at the Company
Olga immigrated from Ukraine ten years ago and has been a part of the company for the past eight years. She started in the production department, where she worked for four years before transitioning to Supplemental Processing. “I love my work here—it’s interesting and never monotonous,” she shares. When Olga joined Rion, there were only three women in the production department. Today, she notes, that number has grown significantly. “The company is always expanding, investing in equipment and machinery, and providing a sense of stability. Many of us still aren’t fluent in Hebrew, myself included, but somehow, we all manage.”
More than the stability and professional growth, Olga highlights the support she received when life threw her an unexpected challenge. About a year ago, her son was severely injured in a car accident, and she had to be by his side throughout the hospitalization period and the surgeries he had to go through. “The management at Rion was incredibly understanding—they allowed me flexible shifts and granted me sick leave whenever needed. I’m not sure I would have received this kind of support anywhere else,” she says.
Sebele Bekalu – Enjoying the Work and the Team
Sebele immigrated from Ethiopia four years ago but joined our team only six months ago, following a warm recommendation from her sister, who also works at the company. “When I started out, I requested to work only morning or night shifts, because of my child, and I’m grateful the company accommodated the request,” she says. Sebele’s role includes cleaning products, removing flash, and organizing parts after injection molding.
Her initial training was led by the department manager, and despite the language barrier, she never felt alone. “The training wasn’t difficult—everyone made an effort to explain things to me, translate what I didn’t understand, and demonstrate each step of the process.” But beyond the daily tasks and learning, it’s the people who make this place special. “The atmosphere here is great and supportive. Even though we come from different backgrounds, we all get along. I enjoy the work and the team and feel comfortable here.”
Kira Tchernobilsky – A Fresh Start in Israel
In November 2019, Kira immigrated from Brazil with her husband, Breno, who also works in our production department as a shift manager. A year ago, she joined our team—her first job in Israel. “I love working here—I feel good about the people around me. If I ever need help, there’s always someone to support and guide me,” she says.
Kira has a young daughter and appreciates the flexibility she’s been given at work, as well as the support she received when she started. “When I arrived, I didn’t know Hebrew, but everyone here is very patient. There’s no choice, so I learn the language on the job,” she laughs. Alongside the sense of belonging she has found, Kira sees this job as a path for advancement: “I feel good here and see opportunities to develop in the future.”
Jamelh Badran – A Path to a Better Future
Since joining us five and a half years ago, Jamelh has made remarkable progress. She started in a cleaning role but didn’t stop there—eventually transitioning to the Supplemental Processing Department. “I’m very happy working in the department—I’m grateful for the opportunity to move into a more professional role,” she shares. “This transition didn’t just give me new skills, it made me feel like an essential part of the company, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally.”
Professional Advancement in the Supplemental Processing Department
Behind these personal stories is a broader trend—one of professional advancement. Mohammad Azam sums it up: “We wanted to build a diverse and inclusive team, and personally, I was committed to helping women develop professionally and gain knowledge. Sometimes, language barriers make training sessions challenging, as translators don’t always understand the technical terms. But we’ve managed—I’ve even learned a few languages along the way.”