East Azerbaijan Province, recognized as the largest and most populous province in northwestern Iran, benefits from a committed and highly skilled workforce as well as key infrastructure such as railway networks, power generation plants, and other essential facilities. Taking these advantages into account—along with the province’s strategic proximity to the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia—the planners and executives of Darik Investment Development Company resolved to contribute to the advancement of the national industry, job creation, entrepreneurship, and the development of skilled and experienced human resources.
Accordingly, the Saeb Tabriz Steel Complex, one of the largest steel producers in northwestern Iran, was launched in multiple phases starting in 2012 (1391 H-Sh). The complex is located on a 60-hectare site in Ajab Shir County, within the Khazarlu Industrial Zone, based on comprehensive engineering studies and site-selection assessments conducted across the region.
The location was selected to ensure optimal access to raw material and energy resources, transportation infrastructure—particularly railways—proximity to target markets, and existing industrial potential. The site includes extensive production, administrative, and welfare facilities, along with machinery and equipment, covering approximately 14 hectares of built-up area.
Feasibility and site layout studies for establishing the steel complex in the southern area of Ajab Shir County were conducted during 2011–2012 (1390–1391 H-Sh). Construction and commissioning activities took place between 2013 and 2018 (1392–1397 H-Sh), followed by the completion of the production value chain at the site—specifically the rolling mill operations—from 2018 to the present.