Danish technology, catalyst and services vendor Topsoe will open permanent offices in Tehran, the company announced today. 

The decision was made based on the company’s deep-rooted knowledge of the sector and long-standing relations with Iranian companies.

Simultaneously, the petrochemicals and refining vendor is celebrating the signing of a contract with Badr-e-Shargh Petrochemical Complex for licenses, engineering, proprietary equipment, materials and catalyst for their new methanol plant in Chabahar, Iran. 

It will be the first plant in a new industrial zone in the area.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Iran is on the doorstep to a period of great progress," said Per K. Bakkerud, executive vice president of Topsoe’s chemical business unit and the EMEA region. "The business culture, the high level of education and of course the abundant natural resources is more or less a guarantee for blooming business in the petrochemical and refining industry. And we are eager to resume the great working relationship with Iran and the companies here that we have enjoyed for many years."

Topsoe’s Tehran office will be led by managing director Jens Ole Madsen, who has broad management and sales experience from many years with Topsoe and other engineering and clean technology companies.

“I really look forward to picking up on the impressive collaboration, which Iranian petrochemical companies and refineries have had with Topsoe in the past decades," Madsen said. "The task ahead for these companies is only matched by the enormous potential that a more energy-efficient and streamlined production will bring. I believe that Topsoe can assist them in making it happen."

Topsoe noted that it has a long history in Iran. The company’s founder, Haldor Topsøe, was a friend of Iran and visited the country at several occasions. He also received many high-ranking Iranians at his home in Denmark.