Green to tech: A revolutionary transformation in Israel

The once notorious factory, long deemed an enemy by environmentalists and residents, has emerged as one of Israel's most advanced structures.

The largest solar system in the Middle East and the tallest climbing wall in Israel: the polluting factory in the north, once considered a foe of green bodies and inhabitants, has transformed into an innovative, socially rich employment center, teeming with knowledge-intensive and tech companies.

Land and sky: Those visiting the Phoenicia Factory won't find a trace of the polluting glass production facility that closed about three years ago, once deemed the environmentalists' archenemy.

To their delight, and especially to the locals, the structure has undergone a green revolution: the slag heap has become a water reservoir for firefighting, the gas tank area has turned into modern tech offices, and the factory's roof has become the largest solar system in the Middle East. Even the chimney, soaring 108 meters high, is planned to become the tallest climbing wall challenge in Israel. The building was swiftly acquired by S.A.L. Real Estate shortly after the factory's closure and underwent extensive refurbishment to accommodate knowledge-intensive industries and tech companies.

Given its location in the Galilee, the demand for space in the modern employment center is also surprising and serves as a huge boon to the region's residents: 20 clean factories and major tech companies have entered the new employment center on long-term leases, including Tadiran, Solargad, YDlebds, and Spantac, among others, currently employing 800 workers, nearly three times the number employed during the factory's heyday.

Furthermore, due to high demand from tech entrepreneurs, another technology park named NOHA is being established on the premises, to serve as offices for tech companies and spaces for rent for knowledge-intensive factories.

Additionally, leisure facilities for workers and visitors are planned near the park, including a café and more. This week, the entrepreneurs also presented an initial plan to convert the chimney tower, reaching a height of 108 meters, into the tallest climbing wall in Israel.

"The Galilee landscape has undergone an unprecedented revolution in recent years, bringing tech entrepreneurs and investors in knowledge-intensive companies to stand in line to reach the city," said Mayor Ronen Plaut, adding that the fact that the building has been fully leased indicates immense demand.