Sabalan: The Beating Heart of Iran’s Textile Industry

On the green slopes of Ardabil, where the cold of Mount Sabalan blends with the warm efforts of the workers, one of Iran’s largest and most modern industrial complexes stands tall: the Sabalan Textile and Garment Complex, a symbol of progress, self-sufficiency, and transformation in the nation’s apparel industry.

The construction of this massive complex began in early 1999. After years of relentless effort, the erection of warehouses, installation of machinery, and launch of production lines were accomplished from 2004 to 2007. Ultimately, with the president in attendance, the factory officially opened its doors in 2007, ushering in a new era for Iran’s textile industry. But this was only the beginning of the story—a journey that, through considerable investment, technical innovation, and managerial revitalization, has today become one of the nation’s proudest industrial achievements.

Capacity and Scale at a National Level

The Tejarat Dookht Bartar Sabalan Factory is built on a 200,000-square-meter plot, with 120,000 square meters of infrastructure, in Ardabil’s Industrial Town No. 2.
This immense complex includes seven specialized units, each playing a vital role in the production process:

Spinning
Indigo (Denim Dyeing)
Weaving
Circular Knitting
Dyeing, Printing & Finishing
Sewing
Flat Knitting

The design of these units is “independent island-style,” enabling each section to operate self-sufficiently and with maximum efficiency. The result of this meticulous structure is the production of a wide range of products—from various yarns and denim/tricot fabrics to ready-made clothing under proprietary brands.

Employment and Social Role

Currently, over 919 people work three shifts in production halls, administrative sections, and support units. Upon full implementation of the overhaul plan and full activation of all production lines, the complex's employment capacity can rise to 5,000—a figure that positions this factory as one of the largest employers in Ardabil Province.

A Challenging Development Path

The initial investment for this complex, supported by multi-million-euro capital and bank facilities, was made in January 2011, and the factory began operations under the name Arta Tejarat Zarrin. However, along the way, financial and managerial hurdles created a rocky road. From 2015 to 2021, the complex was leased out to various companies and teetered on the brink of bankruptcy.

The turning point came in October 2022, when the factory came under the protection of the “Industrial Support Board,” breathing new life into the company. A year later, in October 2023, factory ownership was transferred to Tejarat Bank, enabling a phase of rejuvenation under fresh management and extensive financial backing.

Modernization and Industrial Leap

With Tejarat Bank’s support, over 7,000 billion IRR in funding was injected for the complete overhaul of machinery, warehouse renovation, and infrastructure upgrades.
The results were not just improved productivity but also a renewed sense of motivation among the staff. Timely payment of wages and benefits, better working conditions, and the establishment of a new rewards system fostered a dynamic and hopeful work environment.

The Birth of World-Class Iranian Brands

During its transformation, the complex decided to become not just a producer, but also a brand builder. To this end, three new proprietary brands were launched:

Araz Jeans (for denim apparel)
Araz Tex (for textile and fabric products)
El-Savala (for modern and export garments)

These brands now stand as emblems of quality and authenticity in Iranian manufacturing. By entering both domestic and regional markets, they have opened a new chapter of profitability and competition.

Looking Ahead: Bright Horizons

Tejarat Dookht Bartar Sabalan Factory has developed a meticulous, forward-looking plan for the coming years. Key objectives include:

Achieving an annual production of 35 million garments
Expanding a high-quality supply chain from raw materials to final goods
Increasing exports through collaborations with reputable global brands
Moving towards a more innovative and competitive structure
Expanding digital presence and media engagement to showcase capabilities

From Ardabil to the Global Market

The Sabalan Textile and Garment Complex is more than a factory; it’s a symbol of the revival of Iran’s textile industry, youth employment, and a testament to the power of domestic production.
Through the efforts of its managers, engineers, and workers, this complex has become a key industrial hub for the region and is steadily moving toward a brighter future—a future in which the “Made in Iran” label proudly shines on high-quality, modern apparel.

Tejaratdookht Bartar Sabalan Factory

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