Netafim
ActiveOverview
Netafim manufactures irrigation equipment including drippers, dripperlines, sprinklers, and micro-emitters. It holds over 30% of the global drip irrigation market and operates in 110 countries with 33 subsidiaries and 19 manufacturing plants. The company integrates precision agriculture solutions, including partnerships for plant-based irrigation monitoring.
History
Netafim was founded in 1965 on Kibbutz Hatzerim in Israel as a pioneer in drip irrigation technology. Key milestones include opening its first international subsidiary in the US in 1981, merging into a single corporation in 1998, introducing the world's first low-flow dripper in 2007, and receiving the 2013 Stockholm Industry Water Award. In 2011, Permira acquired controlling interest for €800 million; Mexichem (now Orbia) bought 80% in 2017, with Kibbutz Hatzerim retaining 20%. Recent developments include acquiring Gakon Netafim in 2020 and partnering with Phytech in 2024.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drippers | Precise water delivery at plant root | $0.20 - $2 per unit |
| Dripperlines | Continuous drip irrigation tubing | $0.30 - $1.50 per meter |
| Sprinklers | Low-volume overhead watering | $5 - $50 per unit |
| Micro-emitters | Targeted irrigation for small areas | $0.50 - $5 per unit |
| NetBeat Platform | Smart irrigation management software | $500 - $5,000 annually |
Manufacturing
Netafim operates 19 manufacturing plants worldwide across 33 subsidiaries. Production includes in-house facilities for drippers, dripperlines, and related equipment. The company also maintains two recycling facilities for sustainable operations.
Notable Products
- Low-flow Dripper - Introduced in 2007 as the world's first low-flow dripper for efficient water use.
- NetBeat™ - Smart irrigation platform incorporating monitoring and data-driven recommendations.
- Dripperlines - Inline tubing systems for row crop irrigation.
- Micro-emitters - Emitters for orchards, vineyards, and greenhouses.
Reputation
Netafim is recognized by professionals for its dominant market share in drip irrigation and innovations like low-flow drippers. It receives awards such as the 2013 Stockholm Industry Water Award for water efficiency contributions. Criticisms arise from involvement in Israeli occupation projects and military technology integration in its platforms via partnerships.