The cornerstone for the new Tnuva dairy at Eilon Tavor, in which $200 million will be invested, was laid today.
Tnuva chairman Gedalia Gal said at the ceremony, "We decided to set up a dairy at Eilon Tavor, despite the large monetary incentives by the government to move to Bet She'an, so that Haifa employees would be able to contribute their talents and relocate to Eilon Tavor."
The Tnuva workers committee opposed the relocation to Bet She'an, claiming it was too distant for employees of the Haifa dairy, which is due to close, and activities transferred to Eilon Tavor.
Gal said the dairy will certainly add jobs in the Jezre'el Valley region as well. He called on Ministry of Industry and Trade director-general Reuven Horesh to transfer financial support to the dairy.
It should be noted that Tnuva does not qualify for government aid, since it does not direct most of its produce for export.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on December 28, 1999