Engineering

In 2018 the U.S. state of New Jersey listed Grimley Smith Associates on its list of entities determined to be engaged in prohibited activities in Iran rendering Grimley Smith Associates ineligible for investment and/or state contracting.

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Grimley Smith Associates is a British engineering firm that "offers services that encompass virtually every aspect of process engineering" (Company Website). 

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Grimley Smith's website describes contract work it performed on three crude oil facilities in Iran for the National Iranian Oil Company. This work constituted "70,000 man-hours of design work" which rendered the facilities "capable of meeting the processing capacity of 400,000 barrels a day for the next 25 years" (Company Website). 

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Grimley Smith's website lists its key values as "integrity, openness, competence, trust, quality, enjoyment, loyalty, accountability, and responsibility" (Company Website). 

Invensys is a multinational corporation which consists of Invensys Operations Management, Invensys Rail, and Invensys Controls. Invensys Operations Management, the largest division, is “a global technology, software and consulting organization” with over $2 billion in sales (Company Brochure).

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Invensys Operations Management houses the Eurotherm brand of products, which are used in “life sciences, glass manufacturing, plastics, renewable energy and the heat treatment of metals” (Company Brochure). Eurotherm is represented in Iran (Eurotherm Brochure) and is listed as a past exhibitor for the 2009 Iran Oil Show (Iran Oil Show Website).

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In its Code of Conduct, Invensys says, “We are committed to upholding human rights such as those enshrined in the UN Global Compact and the European Convention on Human Rights”, and instructs employees not to “seek to benefit from human rights abuses committed by someone else” (Invensys Code of Conduct).

Iranian oil, gas, petrochemical and power industries services company Petrokalooj cites KOBOLD as a supplier on its website.

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According to its website, Amitis is an authorized representative for KOBOLD in Iran. (http://amitistech.com/representative-of-kobold-in-iran).

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Listed as an approved vendor in Iran by NIOEC, NPC, NIGCENG, SADAF, NIGC and IOOC.

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Kobold manufactures instruments to "measure and control flow, level, pressure, and temperature" for industrial applications, providing "patentable technology, high quality products and superior service" (Company Website). Based in Germany, Kobold also has manufacturing plants and offices in Pennsylvania, Michigan, South Carolina, Washington, and Ohio (Company Website).

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Kobold also maintains a "Kobold Iran" website, in which it advertises its sponsorship of the "Iran Oil Show." The Kobold Iran site makes all of its industrial instruments available for sale (Iranian Website).

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A subsidiary, Heinrichs-MT, lists that Kobold maintains a sales office in Iran (Subsidiary Website).

"The company was reported as potentially providing engineering services for power and gas processing plants in Iran. In 2018 CalPERS designated the company as under review. In 2019 CalPERS changed the designation to “being monitored” because CalPERS’ initial screening has not identified the company as having involvement in the regions and/or activities targeted by the Act. CalPERS has maintained the company in “monitor” status for 2020. CalPERS continues to monitor the company for possible changes in status relevant to the Act."

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"JGC Holdings Corporation reportedly provides engineering services for power plants and gas processing plants in Iran. In 2017, CalSTRS designated JGC Corporation as “Under Review” for potentially having ties to Iran. CalSTRS maintained the “Under Review” status in 2018. In 2019, CalSTRS designated JGC Corporation as “Being Monitored.” In 2020, CalSTRS removed JGC Holdings Corporation after further review of the company’s internal controls to prevent sanction violations."

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On February 14, 2020, Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System removed JGC from its list of Iran Prohibited Companies.

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As of August 15, 2019, the state of Iowa listed JGC Corp. on its Iran scrutinized companies list.

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"In January 2017, Iran finalized talks with Japanese and South Korean companies to optimize oil refining process in two old refineries in Tehran and Bandar Abbas.

Based on a plan, the JGC Corporation and JCCP (Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum) was supposed to renovate Tehran’s refinery." (Tasmin News, "Iran Begins Bartering for Oil Projects," 7/12/2019). 

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In 2017, CalSTRS designated JGC Corporation as “Under Review” for reportedly providing engineering services for power plants and gas processing plants in Iran. CalSTRS maintained the “Under Review” designation in 2018.
 

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Tehran Oil Refinery has signed a memorandum of understanding with two Japanese companies, JGC Corporation and Marubeni Corporation, on enhancing gasoline quality and quantity as well as reducing mazut output, the refinery’s managing director said. (May 7, 2018)

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In 2017 the U.S. state of California listed JGC Corporation as a company under review for reportedly providing engineering services for power plants and gas processing plants in Iran. 

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Lists an office in Tehran Iran on its company website.

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JGC was hired as a contractor to design the expansion of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company's Arak refinery.

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JGC maintains an overseas office in Tehran, Iran. (JGC website."Global network")

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In 2012, JGC was removed from the Pennsylvania Treasury's List of Scrutinized Companies Determined as Having Involvement in Iran because its was considered to have "past involvement."

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In 2011, JGC was added to the Pennsylvania Treasury's List of Scrutinized Companies Determined as Having Involvement in Iran because of oil-related investment of US $20 million since 1996.
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According to correspondence with Minnesota's State Investment Board in 2011: "JGC CORPORATION (“JGC”) is not participating in any project in Iran, neither as engineer/constructor nor as investor. Moreover, JGC has no revenue, outstanding contracts and assets in Iran, nor conducts any activities in the mineral-extracting, nuclear, defense or other sectors in that country."
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"Japanese energy producer Inpex Corp. (1605.TO) and plant maker JGC Corp. (1963.TO) are included in a list of companies that have been confirmed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office to have either signed an agreement to conduct business, invested capital or received payment for providing goods or services in connection with a Iranian oil, gas, or petrochemical projects during the 2005-09 period.

Inpex has been engaged in the development of the Azadegan oil field in southwestern Iran, and JGC participated in expanding a refinery located in Arak, western Iran, according to the GOA report, which was released April 22.

Members of the U.S. Congress are debating legislation that would impose unilateral sanctions against Iran over its uranium processing activities." (Down Jones Newswires, "Japan Not Too Worried Inpex, JGC On US Sanctions List," 4/27/10)

According to its website: "We and our partners by our own international network of experts and sales managers have an access to the oilfield service markets of Oman, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Sudan." 

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"Such tunneling conferences, held regularly in Tehran, draw global manufacturers of tunnel-boring machines — giant devices as big as locomotives that dig quickly through rocky strata. Terratec, an Australian maker, noted early last year that Iran had recently become 'one of the most active markets in the world.'" (The New York Times, "Iran Shielding Its Nuclear Efforts in a Maze of Tunnels," 1/6/09)

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"TERRATEC will for the first time be exhibiting at the 8th Iranian Tunnelling Conference, an international forum on latest technologies in the construction of tunnels and underground spaces. The conference will be held in Tehran, Iran from May 18th to May 20th, 2009.

TERRATEC aims to take a proactive role in the conference by exchange of knowledge and information on how to develop underground spaces with environmental considerations.

Iran has become recently one of the most active markets in the world in terms of tunnelling and mining development, and TERRATEC endeavours to provide Iranian Customers with our expertise and technology developed in Australia and already exported to many other countries worldwide.

We would like to invite those attending the conference to visit us at our booth. We look forward to meeting you there." (Company Website, "TERRATEC at 8th Iranian Tunnelling Conference," 2/18/09)

ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions participated in the February 20, 2017 Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V. (“vbw”) meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Mohammed Javad Zarif and Ambassador S. E. Ali Majedi. Prospective engagement with the vbw Economic Liaison Office in Tehran, where the Tehran Chamber will serve as a local partner. Troublingly, the Tehran Chamber is affiliated with the Iran Development and Renovation Organisation (“IDRO”). (vbw Website, “Round Table mit dem iranischen Außenminister Dr. Zarif”).

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"In a cabinet meeting in late November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the new submarines were absolutely necessary to ensure Israel's existence. The Dolphin-class submarines, made by Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), are to conduct reconnaissance missions off the coast of Iran. They could also see action should there ever be a military conflict between the two countries... But one country will profit from the deal immediately: Iran. Israel's archenemy is one of ThyssenKrupp's investors, and it has been so since 1974... With its coffers overflowing after the oil crisis of the early 1970s, Iran went on an international shopping spree. At the time, Iran invested $400 million (383 million euros) in Germany's Krupp corporation, purchasing 25 percent of its shares... Under pressure from the US, the conglomerate ThyssenKrupp eventually bought back shares from Iran. The company saw to it that Iranian investments made up less than 5 percent of its equity share." (Deutsche Welle, "Iran to profit from Israel's submarine deal with ThyssenKrupp," 12/21/2016).

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"German steel and machinery company ThyssenKrupp AG says it is halting its business dealings in Iran. The company said Thursday it will fade out its existing Iran business and won't enter any new contracts, a move meant to support the international sanctions against Iran. Spokesman Alexander Wilke said Iran business in the last fiscal year amounted to barely 0.5 percent of the company's revenue of euro40 billion ($53 billion), totaling around euro200 million." (Associated Press, "Germany's ThyssenKrupp halting its Iran business," 9/23/10)

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"ThyssenKrupp AG, a sprawling German industrial conglomerate, itself does no business in Iran but has offshoot companies that do, said Dr. Jürgen Claassen, the company's executive vice president. Sales to Iran accounted for less than 0.5 percent of total group sales, or 40 billion euros, in fiscal year 2008-2009, he said, and did not involve sales to either the defense or nuclear sectors."

From 2000-2009, the company was the recipient of $115.7 million US federal funds.  Their activities in Iran are currently active. (The New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US," 3/6/2010)

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Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN. (Thai Press Reports, IRAN/GERMANY IRANIAN-GERMAN TRADE UP 78%, December 8, 2008)

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The bill, which roped in companies with even small engagements with Iran, affected not only Honda, but DaimlerChrysler AG, Bridgestone Corp., Siemens and ThyssenKrupp AG, all of which have factories in Ohio. The pension funds estimated that the targeted companies employed more than 45,000 workers in the state. (The Associated Press, Should states sell stocks to protest links to Iran, Neil King, JR, June 14, 2007)

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Last Friday, Thyssen-Krupp, a steel-making conglomerate, said a representative of Iran - the companys third biggest shareholder - no longer would hold a seat on its supervisory board. In remarks to shareholders, Thyssen-Krupp supervisory board chairman Gerhard Cromme said he regretted having to remove the Iranian, but failure to do so would have created considerable economic disadvantages for the company. Thyssen-Krupps move came as BP chief executive officer John Browne reiterated that the oil company would refrain from exploring business opportunities in Iran. (The Globe and Mail, Two big EU firms ease ties with Iran, Matthew Karnitschnig, January 28, 2005)

In 2018, Technip was listed as a divested security on the Michigan State Retirement System list for active business operations in Iran. 

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According to its Quarterly Report filed with the SEC for fiscal year 2018: "We had submitted bids to or had discussions with companies in Iran, including some that may be owned or controlled by the Government of Iran, regarding potential future projects in Iran. In third quarter 2018, we withdrew all pending bids in Iran and will not accept a contract award related to such a project."

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We intend to withdraw all pending bids related to Iran and will not accept a contract award related to such a project. (6/30/18)

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In 2017 the U.S. state of Michigan listed Technip as an Iran restricted company rendering Technip ineligible for investment and/or state contracting.

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"Iran’s Jam Petrochemical Complex (JPC) is currently in final stages of talks with Germany’s Linde Group and France’s TechnipFMC for an agreement to expand its ethylene production at its site in the southern province of Bushehr." (November 15, 2017).

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According to its 2018 SEC disclosure, "two of our non-U.S. subsidiaries have contracts with entities in Iran. We have prepared a feasibility study related to improvements to an olefins plant in Iran. We are also providing engineering and design services for the construction of an ethylene plant in Iran, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2018." (2017)

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In 2014 Technip was removed from Pennsylvania Treasury's List of Scrutinized Companies Determined as Having Involvement In Iran because it was determined to have past involvement.
 

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In 2011, Technip was added to the Pennsylvania Treasury's List of Scrutinized Companies Determined as Having Involvement in Iran because of oil-related investment of US $20 million since 1996.

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Listed by U.S. Government as doing business in Iran. (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, List of Companies Doing Business With State Sponsors Of Terror, Removed from the internet in July of 2007)

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"There is also the question, not mentioned by De Margerie, of where Iran would source LNG technology. Most key components used in projects around the world are manufactured in the US. NIGC says it has been negotiating with European firms, including Linde and Technip, but it is hard to see either working closely with Iran until the political situation improves." (Petroleum Economist, "The struggle to market," April 2007)

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GIANTS WITH A FOOT IN TEHRAN: Total, Shell, Statoil, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, MTN, UPS, Linde, Technip, Nokia, Ericsson, Peugeot, Renault, OMV, Societe Generale, ENI, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Siemens, LG, Samsung, Bosch, Valeo, Nestle, Unilever, BAT, Japan Tobacco. (The London Times, American pressure threatens UK firms, May 27, 2006)

"The Iranian National Petrochemicals Co. (NPC) and Lurgi GmbH, part of Air Liquid Engineering & Construction, have signed an agreement for a 500,000 tonne propylene production unit, using the company’s methanol-to-propylene (MTP) technology." (August 2017)

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"Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says Iran plans to splash out $180 billion to revive and renovate its oil, gas and petrochemical industries by 2022. Addressing an energy security summit in Berlin, the minister said Iran has always been a reliable energy supplier, adding the country wants to regain its position in the energy market... Zangeneh held important talks with German leaders, including Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Thursday. The minister was reportedly set to hold more talks with energy giants, including Siemens, Linde and Lurgi, about the release of Iranian LNG equipment and parts seized by German companies under the European sanctions regime. According to Zangeneh, Germany was Iran's prime energy partner in the downstream oil industry as well as its petrochemical, refinery, turbines and industry parts sector before sanctions. The three energy companies have a history of two decades of operation in Iran's giant South Pars gas projects. Linde had undertaken to build equipment for gas liquefaction of Iran's LNG plant. According to CEO of National Iranian Gas Company Ali Reza Kameli, the company has completed construction of the equipment but is refusing to deliver it because of sanctions." (Press TV, Iran plans $180 billion energy investment, 5/7/15)

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Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN. (Payvand News, "Iranian exports to Germany rose 50% last year", December 8, 2008)

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Lurgi has also agreed to supply its MTP technology to Fanavaran Petrochemicals at Bandar Imam, Iran. That project is also experiencing delays, sources say. (Chemical Week, Chinese Firm to Commercialize MTP Technology, Natasha Alperowicz, November 17, 2008)

According to the company's website location map, they are no longer located in Iran.

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ABB's Annual Report filed with the SEC for fiscal year 2020 states: "In 2018, certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of ABB, in accordance with applicable laws, provided electrical equipment, automation systems and on-site services to OEMs, distributors, panel builders, EPC contracting companies and other customers for Iranian business. ABB discontinued its Iranian business on November 4, 2018. ABB is completing minor work on a long-term contract which is being performed in line with applicable sanctions. The revenues attributable to these products and services in 2020 amounted to approximately $2 million."

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ABB is featured on the website of the Iranian firm, DIBAGARAN FARAYAND (DIFACO).

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Iranian oil, gas, petrochemical and power industries services company Petrokalooj cites ABB as a supplier on its website.

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"The company was reported as potentially seeking business opportunities in Iran In 2018 CalPERS designated the company as under review. In 2019 CalPERS changed the designation to “being monitored” because CalPERS’ initial screening has not identified the company as having involvement in the regions and/or activities targeted by the Act. CalPERS has maintained the company in “monitor” status for 2020. CalPERS continues to monitor the company for possible changes in status relevant to the Act."

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• The Iranian firm, Raya Tosee Tajhiz Paya (“Raya Tosee”), claims to be an authorized agent of ABB in Iran.  (Raya Tosee Website, “Home.”). 

• According to its website, Amitis is an authorized representative for ABB in Iran. (http://amitistech.com/abb-instruments-tools). 

• "The U.S. Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 requires U.S. listed companies to disclose information relating to certain transactions with Iran. In 2018, certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of ABB, in accordance with applicable laws, provided electrical equipment, automation systems and on-site services to OEMs, distributors, panel builders, EPC contracting companies and other customers for Iranian business. The revenues attributable to these products and services in 2018 amounted to approximately $81 million, of which $31 million is attributable to our discontinued operations. ABB discontinued its Iranian business in 2018, except for minor work on a few long-term contracts which is being performed in line with applicable sanctions." (United State Securities and Exchange Commission, "20-Form F," 3/28/2019). 

• In 2017, ABB Ltd. disclosed that it had reopened its Iranian office and had started to seek business in the country. ABB Ltd. had previously been removed from the Iran-related securities list. In 2017, CalSTRS designated ABB Ltd. as “Under Review” for potentially having new ties to Iran. In 2018, CalSTRS removed ABB Ltd. after reviewing the company’s business in Iran and internal controls to prevent sanction violations.
• ABB is reviewing international sanctions developments regarding Iran and finalizing existing contracts in line with such developments. “Sensitive Countries,” ABB, June 2018.
• Six delegates from ABB are listed as registered delegates at the 3rd Europe-Iran forum that took place from May 3-4, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Registered Delegates and Press at the 3rd Europe-Iran Forum).
• According to its Annual Report filed with the SEC in 2013: "In 2012, certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of ABB, in accordance with applicable laws, provided electrical equipment and site services to customers in the power and minerals sectors that are owned or controlled by the government of Iran. The gross revenues attributable to these deliveries and services in 2012 amounted to approximately $3 million and had a net profit of less than $0.5 million. In December 2012, ABB completed or exited all of its then remaining business in Iran. This concluded a process which started with ABB's decision in November 2007 to wind down its business in that country."
• "California’s department of general services, which awards its public contracts, has contacted more than 150 companies seeking clarification regarding Iran. The companies include... ABB, the Swiss electrical engineering group. ABB said it had adopted new policies regarding Iran: a statement on its website says that in May 2011 it 'decided to complete its exit from all business in the oil and gas sector in Iran by the end of September.'" (Financial Times. "California tightens screw on trade with Iran," 6/27/11)
•  "In an October 2008 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, ABB said it did $372 million in business with Iran from 05-07, and a smaller amount to Syria, primarily selling products like power generation equipment and semiconductors. This January, the company announced it had stopped taking orders for new business and was winding down work on existing contracts." The company received $266.5 million in revenue and benefits from the US government between 2000 and 2009. Their business in Iran is active but they have not had any new investments. (New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US" 3/6/2010)
•  ​​​“Swiss engineering group ABB AG has stopped taking new orders in Iran with a view to ending operations there, a spokesman said on Sunday, confirming a newspaper report.‘It's been some time since we've taken any new orders,’ ABB spokesman Wolfram Eberhard said, adding the company had stopped doing so more than 12 months ago. "We're finishing up old contracts."He said ABB now employed some 30 people in Iran, down from 100, and that many of its contracts had been for infrastructure projects and had run into financing difficulties. He said he had no exact date for when all business would be finished.” (Reuters, “ABB, other Swiss firms halting Iran business,” 1/31/10)
• New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli also announced Tuesday the $110 billion fund would freeze an additional $300 million in seven other companies...The decision comes after two years of reviewing these companies, the potential risk of the investments and, in some cases, humanitarian efforts in these countries. "We don't expect our investments to benefit regimes that support genocide and terrorism," said DiNapoli...The fund also plans to monitor and prohibit further investment in ENI (E), Repsol YPF (REP), Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA), Total SA (TOT), ABB Ltd. (ABB), Alstom (ALO.FR) and Snam Rete Gas (SNMRY). Additionally, it plans to focus on other industries including telecommunications. (Wall Street Journal, "NY Comptroller To Divest $86.2M In State Pension Fund Investments," 6/30/09 and The Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli)
• A source familiar with the naughty list says both ABB, a Swiss engineering giant that does business in Iran, and the China National Petroleum Corp., which operates in Sudan, are included. (TIME, "Rules of Disengagement," 5/12/08)
• Listed by U.S. Government as doing business in Iran. (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, List of Companies Doing Business With State Sponsors Of Terror, Removed from Internet in July 2007)
• ...ABB Swiss bank, Credit Suisse, the agrochemical firm, Syngenta, and the engineering group, second biggest and Total, as well as the Siemens"The blacklist is based on latest annual reports of the companies. They are mostly non-U.S. and include Unilever, Cadbury,HSBC, Nokia,
• ABB's business activities with Iran will continue but account for less than 1 percent of the company's sales, according to spokesman Wolfram Eberhardt." (Xinhua, " Swiss Company Irritated Over U.S. Blacklist," 7/2/07)
• For its part, ABB said an "information offensive" was needed to explain its position to investors. The engineering group has been doing business with Iran, according to the SEC list...