visiting Royal Industrial Trading in Hebron: Today a group of volunteers were invited to visit Hebron’s biggest manufacturing company; Royal Industrial Trading Co. “a leading Palestinian manufacturer of advanced pipe systems and innovative plastic products.” This might not sound so exciting to you, it didn’t to us either, but in the end we were very glad we joined the visit, as it turned out to be a very interesting and inspiring place.

The Zghier brothers have ran this factory for almost 25 years. Their father immigrated to Palestine from Jordan and was running a hotel in Bethlahem, after he passed away the sons decided to start something new and the business was born first from a small pipe factory, where our host, Mazin Zgheir, the Public Relations manager and second son, worked long nights manufacturing the products and long days driving delivery trucks all over the middle east. The factory has since grown into a 40000 square meters sustainable small city with many different departments. Employing over 650 people who work 8 hour shifts around the clock like the machines who run 24 hours producing everything from pipes and water tanks, to chairs and toilet covers.

One of the most interesting aspects is the company’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility. It has won innumerable prizes, all of them on display at the entry of the showroom. They have a non-smoking policy, all their employees are non-smokers and have to comply to this rule, not only while in the premises but at home as well. The company provides transportation to and from work for all the workers, in addition to having a cafeteria where all food served on the plate by the employees themselves must be consumed. They have a garden in their premises where some of the produce for their food is grown.

They have found renewable use for olive pits and pistachio shells, which they use to fire up their furnaces. They hire handicapped people as well as those that are perhaps over the prime employability age. They have a football team, a folklore band and an auditorium that can be used by anyone in the community. In addition to having donated large amounts of money to fund hospitals, schools, roads, etc. they also have a team of employees trained in first aid and emergency assistance in case the municipality of Hebron or other companies need help.

Royal is a company to admire, they export to 30 countries and have managed to collaborate and build trust with Israeli partners. While Mazin walked us around the premises, he shook hands with most employees, he mentioned he drives the buses or trucks when drivers are sick, he steps in when needed and is humble about it. He is a man of his people and together with his brothers, and about a 100 other family members, he is doing a wonderful job at lifting the region up to international standards.

In conclusion, if while you are in Hebron, you are invited to go to the plastic factory, don’t hesitate to join the trip, it will most likely surprise you!