Henrik Aslanian, CEO of Tehran-based Electrohydraulikan (Maher)
and a member of Iran’s Association of Polymer Machinery and Equipment
Manufacturers, told NIPNA that Iranian firms are gradually building resilience
by focusing on core competencies and international cooperation.
“Our company has been designing and producing plastic injection
machines for nearly five decades,” said Aslanian. “We’ve gained a solid
foothold domestically and have expanded our product portfolio through
partnerships with global firms such as China’s Chin Shang.”
Established in the early 1970s, Electrohydraulikan (Maher) began
manufacturing fully-automated “Maher” injection series machines. The company
has since diversified into both vertical and horizontal injection machines and
has carved out a reputation for professional specialization in this sector.
Aslanian cited the firm’s long-standing cooperation with Chin Shang,
one of the world's largest producers of large-scale machinery, as a turning
point. “We began collaborating in the early 2000s when domestic production of
machines over 700 tons wasn’t feasible. This partnership filled that gap and
later enabled us to introduce two-platen machines developed with Mitsubishi
Japan to the Iranian market.”
The company now imports a range of large-capacity injection machines including
the SMT-P series (700–6,500 tons) and GM MK6 series, some of which are
assembled locally. These products are marketed under the Electrohydraulikan
brand.
However, plans for joint production remain constrained. “Without the
necessary industrial infrastructure like foundries and heat treatment
facilities, localization is currently unfeasible,” Aslanian said. “We’ve seen
some pilot projects fail due to sanctions and insufficient scale.”
Among key obstacles, Aslanian pointed to what he described as "domestic
sanctions." In 2024, the firm’s import order for spare parts was blocked
without explanation. “These bureaucratic restrictions are more damaging than
external sanctions,” he noted.
Electrohydraulikan serves a broad range of industries including automotive,
packaging, medical devices, and construction materials such as UPVC and CPVC
fittings.
Looking ahead, Aslanian struck a cautious note. “I don’t expect major
changes over the next three to five years. There’s no national industrial
strategy, and without coordinated planning, progress will remain fragmented.”
He concluded by thanking Iran’s Polymer Association for its continued
support. “It’s one of the few industry bodies that has actively upheld its
social commitments and boosted morale among members.”