Saeed Zarandi, CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group, speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Plant No. 2 of Iran Zob Company, referred to the difficulties of recent months and the damage sustained by industries, highlighting the resilience and determination of the managers and employees of Iran Zob and Mobarakeh Steel. He emphasized that the path of development will not come to a halt, even under the most difficult circumstances. He described Iran Zob as part of Mobarakeh Steel Group’s development roadmap and stressed the importance of knowledge-driven development, capacity expansion, market development, and the company’s role beyond merely meeting Mobarakeh Steel’s requirements.
Saeed Zarandi, CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group, speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Plant No. 2 of Iran Zob Company, referred to the difficult conditions prevailing in the country and the industrial sector in recent months, stating: “At Mobarakeh Steel, due to the circumstances that have affected us as well, we have experienced firsthand the difficulties that have emerged in the production process.”
He added: “If we are to look at these circumstances from a Quranic perspective, we should understand that divine tests have always existed, and this is not something unique to our present situation. Almost everyone who has followed the path of truth has faced such tests.”
“The Help of God Is Near”; Difficult Tests Are Part of the Path of Truth
Referring to Verse 214 of Surah Al-Baqarah, Zarandi said: “This verse reminds us not to think that if we are to embark on the path to success, we will reach that point without facing tests and hardships. Standing up to major powers naturally entails consequences and costs, and a person must remain accountable and resilient throughout this path.”
He added: “The verse even describes circumstances in which the hardships and trials become so severe that the Prophet and the believers with him say, ‘When will the help of Allah come?’ The immediate response is: ‘Behold, the help of Allah is near.’”
Iran Zob; An Example of Industrial Determination and Resilience
Referring to the recent remarks of the Supreme Leader and his predictions regarding certain developments, Zarandi said: “Today, a clip of our martyred leader was shown in which he had predicted a significant part of these developments. Difficult events occurred for the country, particularly affecting industrial complexes. Mobarakeh Steel and Iran Zob were also affected by these circumstances.”
He continued: “Iran Zob was scheduled to be inaugurated toward the end of last year. Unfortunately, an incident that occurred adjacent to this complex also caused damage to the company itself and created serious problems in this area.”
The CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group said: “What mattered more to us was the determination we saw among our colleagues at Iran Zob — the same spirit that we also witnessed at Mobarakeh Steel during the reconstruction process.”
Zarandi added: “When the incident occurred, we initially believed that it would take at least eight or nine months, or even a year, for this complex to return to production. We had even anticipated that we might be able to resume the production process in the second half of the year. But thanks to God, the board of directors and managers of Iran Zob were able to bring the complex back into operation during the first half of the year.”
Addressing the CEO and employees of Iran Zob, he said: “This truly deserves our appreciation and recognition. I would like to thank the CEO and management team of Iran Zob for their efforts.”
Development; Mobarakeh Steel’s Most Important Expectation from Iran Zob
Emphasizing the special importance of development for Mobarakeh Steel Group, Zarandi said: “I believe the true skill of a manager lies in being able to leave a lasting legacy from their period of management. The fact that, after nearly 40 years, we are witnessing the design, construction, and operation of a new and well-designed complex at Iran Zob today is a valuable achievement.”
He continued: “At Mobarakeh Steel, we consume around 1,000 tons of grinding balls and other related products. I ask the relevant deputy and manager to seriously examine this matter.”
Referring to Iran Zob’s development plans, the CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group stated: “I expect the CEO of Iran Zob to seriously pursue the development of this complex to a capacity of 60,000 tons. At Mobarakeh Steel, we will also support this development, and the county’s representative should assist in this process as well.”
He added: “We support and welcome the development of Iran Zob, and in fact, this kind of spirit is exactly what we value. We want managers who have a development-oriented vision and who can take a positive step forward while maintaining operational integrity.”
Iran Zob’s Mission; Beyond Meeting Mobarakeh Steel’s Needs
Zarandi emphasized: “Our vision is for Iran Zob not to be merely a supplier meeting Mobarakeh Steel’s requirements, but to play a role across the country. It should be able to serve cement plants, Mobarakeh Steel, and other steel companies across the country.”
He continued: “I ask you to also examine other producers in the country, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and determine in which areas we can make use of the capacities within Mobarakeh Steel Group. As mentioned, we can also define joint projects with Tuka Foolad.”
Addressing the CEO of Iran Zob, the CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group said: “In my view, you should prepare yourselves for a major undertaking. The résumé I reviewed and the performance you have demonstrated over the past year in the company indicate that you have performed well. Our expectation is that you further strengthen this development-oriented approach.”
Mobarakeh Steel Will Not Halt Its Development Path
Referring to the plans of Mobarakeh Steel Group, Zarandi said: “At Mobarakeh Steel Group, despite the enormous financial difficulties we have faced over the past six months following the war, we have not halted our development path, and we will not do so.”
He added: “Today, approximately five months have passed since the reconstruction of Mobarakeh Steel began, and I believe that a major part of the work was completed yesterday and today as well. We will provide the public with details of this process at the appropriate time.”
Zarandi thanked journalists and the media for their efforts, saying: “Journalists should also follow this matter and monitor its progress.”
Mobarakeh Steel Reconstruction; A Symbol of National Resilience and Determination
Referring to the attack on the industrial complex, the CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group said: “On the day we were attacked, I believe it was the heaviest attack ever carried out against an industrial complex in the country. Naturally, it also created considerable psychological pressure.”
He continued: “That very day, we were monitoring the news, and some networks were even excitedly announcing that ‘we hit the big target.’ The first thing I said at a meeting with the reconstruction team, which consisted of several deputies and managers, was that we had to do something so that our response would be worthy of the very statement they had made.”
Zarandi stated: “This happened, and I genuinely regard it as a success for the Islamic Republic of Iran in confronting the front of disbelief; a success made possible by the knowledge-driven approach and determination of Mobarakeh Steel’s engineers, workers, and managers.”
He said: “I have also told my colleagues at Mobarakeh Steel that this complex has today become a symbol of determination and resilience in reconstruction, and we must create and strengthen this same spirit across the companies within the Group.”
Emphasis on R&D Development and Knowledge-Based Products
Zarandi then addressed the CEO of Iran Zob, saying: “I have a specific request from Mr. Karimi, and that is for Iran Zob to become more knowledge-driven. Pursue the path you have begun in research and development more seriously. Work on increasing the strength of components, developing alloys, and pursuing other research areas. This can create a distinctive capability and competitive advantage for Iran Zob.”
He added: “Work on increasing the strength of components, developing alloys, and other areas of research. This can create a distinctive capability and competitive advantage for Iran Zob.”
The CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group also referred to Iran Zob’s plans to enter the Iraqi market, saying: “Regarding the Iraqi market, which you mentioned you are beginning to operate in, we are fully prepared to provide support. Mr. Akbari, who is responsible for international affairs, should also be informed of this matter so that we can use the Group’s international capacities to develop Iran Zob’s market.”
Support for Iran Zob’s Investment and Development Projects
Zarandi emphasized: “Submit your investment projects so that we can review and pursue them with a positive approach. Overall, we are interested in managers who are seeking development continuing along this path.”
He said: “Personally, I appreciate managers who pursue development. However, we always emphasize two issues to our colleagues: first, that we must maintain operational integrity, and second, that with this same development-oriented approach, we should be able to create transformation.”
Iran Zob Emerged Successfully from a Tough Test
Referring once again to Iran Zob’s performance under difficult circumstances, Zarandi said: “Just as we at Mobarakeh Steel were tested under difficult conditions, you and your colleagues at Iran Zob also went through this test, and, praise be to God, you emerged successfully.”
He expressed hope that: “God willing, we will be able to accomplish major projects together and elevate Iran Zob to a position where it can play an effective role in the country’s industry.”
Consolidating the Group’s Localization Capabilities at Tuka Foolad
Referring to Mobarakeh Steel Group’s new mission in the field of localization, Zarandi said: “At Tuka Group, we are also working to consolidate areas that complement Mobarakeh Steel’s production activities.”
He added: “We have assigned to Tuka Group the mission of handling any localization-related area that requires investment, and we will support new projects.”
The CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Group continued: “The second issue is logistics. A major project is also being prepared in this area, and we hope to establish a world-class logistics project for Mobarakeh Steel.”
Appreciation for Iran Zob’s Managers and Employees
At the end of his remarks, Zarandi thanked those involved in the project, saying: “I would like to thank Mr. Sabzevari, Mr. Karimi, the members of the boards of directors of Tuka Foolad and Iran Zob, the respected deputies, the deputy for production, the deputy for development, and the managers and affiliated companies, each of whom played a role in this process to the extent of their responsibilities.”
He added: “I would also like to sincerely thank all my colleagues at Iran Zob, the dedicated workers, engineers, and experts who worked hard throughout this process.”
Zarandi also addressed the county officials, saying: “We hope that the projects currently underway in the county will contribute to improving the economic conditions and employment of the region, and that the inauguration and development of Iran Zob will have positive effects at the county and regional levels.”
