The minerals and specialty solutions company ICL, considered the largest employer in the Negev, has inaugurated the company’s new headquarters building in Beersheba, at a festive ceremony attended by President of the State Isaac Herzog; Mayor of Beersheba, Rubik Danilovich; Mayor of Dimona, Benny Biton; leaders of the Negev region, company management and other senior officials from the southern region.
The building, which was designed according to a green building standard and meets the Israeli standard of 3 green stars, covers an area of approximately 5 dunams and approximately 15,000 square meters of built space, and includes 12 office floors, commercial areas, a dining complex and an advanced services application. Approximately 1,000 company employees who were previously dispersed across various buildings throughout the city will now be housed in the new structure.
According to President of the State Isaac Herzog: "ICL is a very important employer. Many hundreds of families in the city find their livelihood in ICL. And thousands upon thousands of Negev residents have chosen to build their homes and lives here, thanks to the presence of such a significant company. ICL’s achievements do not end with a blessed impact on the Negev. Alongside being a growth engine for the entire Israeli economy, ICL is also a source of Israeli pride, as the innovation, entrepreneurship and excellence found within it receive a place of honor and leadership throughout the world. The establishment of the company’s new offices here in Beersheba is an important declaration of intent for the Negev and its residents, further sharpening the commitment to the economic future of the entire Negev: For it is here that the people of Israel will truly be tested".
ICL employs approximately 4,500 direct employees, most of them residents of the Negev, from the cities of Beersheba, Dimona, Arad and Yeruham; while the impact in the indirect circle reaches approximately 19,000 families in the southern region. According to a special report by the consulting firm BDO published recently, ICL’s contribution to Israel’s economy is estimated at approximately NIS 17.6 billion per year, constituting approximately 10% of the GDP in the south. The company’s impact is particularly prominent in the field of industry, and it is responsible for approximately 27% of the industrial GDP in the Beersheba subdistrict and more than 50% of the region’s industrial exports. The total state revenues from ICL’s activity in 2024 amounted to NIS 1.3 billion.
ICL’s contribution extends beyond the country’s borders, and the company, whose activity begins in the Negev, through its products helps safeguard the food security of approximately 400 people every day, approximately 5% of the world’s population.
ICL CEO, Elad Aharonson: "The establishment of the new headquarters in Beersheba is much more than a business decision, it is a declaration of our deep commitment to the Negev and our full confidence in the people who are the driving force of the company. A stable and strong industry is the infrastructure that enables tens of thousands of families in the south an employment horizon, economic security and a thriving community. From here, in the capital of the Negev, we will continue to operate out of mission and responsibility, in order to ensure that industrial activity continues to lead the region’s growth and the national resilience of the State of Israel."
Mayor of Beersheba, Rubik Danilovich: "The inauguration of the ICL House in the heart of Beersheba is the realization of a Zionist and economic vision in the capital of the Negev. The company’s true strategic asset does not lie only in natural resources, but in the excellent human capital that grows here. In an era of global instability, the State of Israel must understand that national independence and economic security are built here, in the south. We must ensure that ICL continues to grow and to double the employment circles in the region, if we do not nurture our industry 'at full capacity', we will miss the opportunity to establish the future of the Negev. Beersheba is proud to be the home of the company, and from here we will continue to lead together the technological message and the national resilience of the State of Israel."
Mayor of Dimona, Benny Biton: "ICL is a central employment anchor for thousands of families in Dimona and throughout the eastern Negev. The historical and deep connection between the company and the residents of Dimona continues in a new and significant chapter. Strengthening the headquarters in Beersheba does not come at the expense of the periphery - On the contrary. It strengthens the entire Negev region and creates a strong regional continuum in which industry, human capital and local authorities operate together for a more prosperous future".
The company began its path from the vision of a Jewish-Russian scientist, Moshe Novomeysky, who discovered the unique advantages of the Dead Sea approximately one hundred years ago, and the preservation of his legacy was carried out several years ago when a visitors center was established in his name, reviewing the historical story of the region and of his work. Since then and to this day, the company has expanded and become global with activity in more than 120 countries and annual sales revenue of approximately $7 billion. In light of the deep connection, the steering committee is currently examining the possibility of changing the name of the street on which the new building is located from Hanagarim Street to Novomeysky Street.
The building inauguration event held included a mezuzah affixing ceremony and the unveiling of an exhibition featuring historical photographs from one hundred years of the company’s activity. The company, which supports communities in the south in a variety of ways and includes a broad volunteer network that invests tens of thousands of hours each year, brought an emotional representation to the event. A youth band of Ethiopian immigrants from the Charuv Absorption Center in the city of Beersheba performed as part of the ceremony. The center and the company have maintained a connection for many years, and company employees volunteer and accompany them throughout the year.