Abyek Cement Plant Becomes Iran’s Largest Cement Producer

The Abyek Cement Plant, which began operations in January 1974 with a daily capacity of 3,500 tonnes of clinker, has now become Iran’s largest cement production facility, producing more than 16,500 tonnes of clinker per day. This growth was achieved through development projects implemented in 2009 and 2013, alongside quality improvements driven by robotic sampling systems.

Cement, as one of the most fundamental materials in the construction industry, plays an unparalleled role in shaping infrastructure. In Iran, cement was first imported by foreigners for use in locations such as churches, embassies, and commercial ports. Despite the abundance of raw materials needed for cement production within the country, significant sums were spent annually on imports. This prompted the then-government to establish a domestic cement plant, and in January 1934, Iran’s first cement factory was inaugurated in the city of Rey, south of Tehran.

Over time, as social transformations and industrialization progressed, domestic demand for cement grew steadily, and production levels could not keep pace. Consequently, expanding cement manufacturing facilities became a national priority.

Establishment of the Abyek Cement Plant and Early Operations

As part of continued efforts to establish cement factories, the Abyek Cement Plant was founded in 1969, located 80 kilometers along the Tehran-Qazvin road. The plant’s founder was engineer Manouchehr Salour. Starting with a single production line, the facility gradually expanded, evolving from a traditional unit into Iran’s largest cement producer.

Four years after its founding, the first production line was commissioned in 1974 with a daily capacity of 3,500 tonnes of clinker. A second line followed in 1979, adding 4,000 tonnes of clinker per day. This second line remained operational from 1979 until 2013, after which, following development projects and capacity upgrades, the kiln was taken offline and decommissioned after modifications.

Development Projects and Capacity Expansion

Through development and capacity expansion initiatives, the first line was upgraded to 8,500 tonnes per day, and the second line to 8,000 tonnes per day. This brought the combined capacity of Abyek Cement’s two production lines to 16,500 tonnes of clinker per day.

The development and capacity expansion projects, carried out in 2009 and 2013, have consistently prioritized both quality and quantity in production. The capacity increase of Line 1 is recognized as the largest cement capacity expansion project in Iran and one of the largest of its kind globally.

Robotic Quality Control System

The Abyek Cement Plant operates a quality control unit equipped with robotic systems and a Robolab. These systems perform automated sampling from the raw mill to the packing house using small robots, ensuring sampling occurs without human intervention. Sample analysis is conducted hourly, with tests performed every hour.

Quality Achievements and Certifications

As a result of years of effort by the founder, managers, engineers, and workers of the Abyek Cement Plant, the company became the first in Iran’s cement industry to obtain ISO 9001 certification and also received the award for best product for three consecutive years.

The raw material reserves of the Abyek Cement Plant are sufficient to supply the factory for approximately 150 years. Geographically, the plant is positioned adjacent to five provinces, enabling it to supply its products to these regions. With superior quality, advanced laboratory systems, and rigorous controls, the plant provides consistent and suitable quality for its customers and consumers. Abyek Cement is currently the first producer of Portland limestone and composite cement in Iran, and with a daily production capacity exceeding 16,500 tonnes of clinker, it holds the position of the country’s largest cement production facility.