Soldiers’ lives. That’s one of the most important things in a war, and Plasan is working to save them.
Today we visited Kibbutz Sasa, a kibbutz in Nothern Israel founded by American and Canadian Immigrants in 1949. There we were given a presentation on the company, Plasan, located in the kibbutz, that manufactures and designs armor systems to protect both individual soldiers and their vehicles (Tanks, Helicopters, Humvees, etc). These are ordered by governmental organizations. Plasan was founded in 1985 and currently employs 600 people in Israel, along with many more all across the world. Plasan is a subcontractor for armor systems used by the United States, United Kingdom, and France among others. Plasan designs, tests, and manufactures these armor systems. Their three criteria they have to balance are weight, protection, and price. Everything is tailor made for the buyer. Plasan is always researching and developing new armor systems and technologies.
As Yael, our presenter, told us, these Plasan armor systems have saved lives all across the world. Kobi Meron, a Brigade commander during the 1st Lebanon War, was in a Plasan armored vehicle during the war, when a suicide bomber exploded in front of the vehicle. Meron told us he was saved by the armor made by Plasan, as over 2000 pieces of shrapnel were not able to penetrate the vehicle.
Although we were unable to enter the actual factory due to security reasons, Plasan exemplifies the Zionist pioneering spirit. Kibbutz Sasa has made billions of dollars in the humanitarian effort to save lives in war. The company is value driven. As Yael said, the company does not care what shape the vehicle is in, just that the people inside are as safe as possible.