The founder of Iran ferroalloy's industry
AliAsghar Hajibaba
AliAsghar Hajibaba was born on Friday, October 2, 1931, in Bazarche Naib al-Sultaneh neighborhood, Namazi alley, No. 1. He attended Entisariyeh school, where he crossed paths with notable individuals like Dr. Mostafa Chamran. Beginning in 1945, he began his professional journey alongside family members in the cotton industry. By the early 1950s, he became involved in political activism, supporting the National Front and Dr. Mohammad Mosaddegh.
In 1955, AliAsghar, along with his father and brothers, transitioned from the cotton industry to the iron business. They founded the One company for import and commercial affairs. In 1962, they ventured into industry with the establishment of Pars Metal factory, specializing in cast iron pipes and fittings, marking a significant entry into the metal casting and smelting sectors.
Their entrepreneurial endeavors continued with the establishment of Chauffagekar Co in April 1971 and participation in founding Tavan Silice in 1975. He was appointed as a board member of Iran National company during Mehdi Bazargan’s government in February 1979. He also served as a special inspector of the prime minister in industries until 1982. In 1981, he established Resitan factory in Takestan city.
In the early 1980s, driven by the vision of advancing Iran’s industry, AliAsghar Hajibaba laid the foundation for Iran Ferrosilice in Semnan city, pioneering Ferrosilicon production in the country.
Continuing his entrepreneurial journey, he founded Iran Model mold and machine factory in the old Tehran-Qom road and also a mining company named Hamrah Tolid in 1991.
In 2002, he acquired Iran Ferroalloy Industry factory, reinvigorating its operations. In 2010, he initiated the expansion project of Chauffagekar factory in Takestan.
In recognition of his five-decade-long dedication to entrepreneurship, production, and service in Iran’s industries, mines, and commerce, AliAsghar Hajibaba was honored as the lasting face of the ferroalloy industry in the 9th Festival of Iran’s Top Managers and Manufacturers.
These are some of his other contributions:
- The member of Iran-Germany and Iran-Belgium chambers of commerce
- The founder, the first chairman and the first vice chairman of the Association of Industrial Managers in 1979
- The founder and the chairman of the Iran Ferroalloy Industry Employers’ Association in 2001
- The founder and the chairman the Fund for the Development of the Export of Industrial Goods, Minerals, and Engineering Services
- The member of the board of directors of the Industrial Goods, Minerals, and Engineering Services’ Association.
- The member of the founding association of charitable foundations, including Rahe Aseman.
The father of Iran ferroalloy’s industry
The passing of AliAsghar Hajibaba, known as the father of Iran’s ferroalloys, occurred on the afternoon of Monday, June 1, 2020. He leaves behind a legacy of nine decades of unwavering dedication and sincere efforts, a valuable inheritance for future generations of Iran.
Hajibaba was a prominent national figure renowned for his integrity, innovation, talent, and benevolent services aimed at enhancing the status of Iranian industrialists. His contributions earned him widespread admiration and praise for his patriotism.
He firmly believed that prioritizing customer service and safeguarding public interests were pivotal for long-term success in today’s competitive world. He regarded a utilitarian and speculative approach to industry as short-sighted, advocating instead for a comprehensive vision that nurtures enduring presence in the sector. Hajibaba emphasized the importance of capital owners and industrialists fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with society and the environment, guided by a long-term perspective.
A recurring counsel from this industry luminary to managers, investors, and entrepreneurs of the private sector was to conduct business ethically, seeking cooperation with like-minded individuals within the bounds of the law. He cautioned against unilateral economic decisions, urging consultation with knowledgeable experts.
Drawing from years of professional experience in the country’s industry, Hajibaba’s overarching principles prioritized environmental protection, bolstering the national economy, fostering social capital accumulation, empowering the private sector, upholding professional ethics, and advancing sustainable development.
In terms of organizational management and human resources, he advocated for meritocracy, accountability, continuous learning, collaborative leadership, respect for diverse beliefs and values, thorough research, data-driven decision-making, vigilant monitoring, investigation, and auditing. His guiding principle was to align trade interests with national interests, recognizing that national welfare supersedes individual gains.