Shining example of Delta’s work

Tariq Mukhtar is always happy to make personal inspections of his employees’ work . . . not matter how high the job.

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AT a time when the people of Iran are politically at loggerheads, Oldham firm Delta Obstruction Lighting is playing its part in bringing them together.

For years, the Milad Tower has been under construction in Tehran’s Northern suburbs creating a major talking point for the city’s inhabitants.

Now completed, the impressive structure is the largest tower in the Middle East and to add to its charm its design is based on ancient Persian architecture and its construction has been undertaken solely by Iranian contractors.

The structure is a fusion of the country’s past with modern technology, invoking national pride among its population.

As with any large structure, this is a major obstruction to aircraft, and with Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport near by, the tower has been fitted with an aircraft warning system which exceeded International Civil Aviation Regulations.

No contractor could be found locally so chief contractor Datis Sameneh approached Delta in Oldham in January last year to design, manufacture and supervise the installation of a warning system.

Delta managing director Tariq Mukhtar said: “When we design these systems we usually complete the installation ourselves but in order to preserve this job’s Iranian authenticity, Datis Sameneh asked us to train and supervise their operatives.

“To be invited to work on this project was an honour in itself so that request was the least we could do.”

After approval of Delta Obstruction Lighting’s proposal, the lights were designed and manufactured at the company headquarters in Delta House, Wrigley Street, off Greenacres Road, Oldham, and shipped to Tehran.

Lead times were always tight but Delta supplied the lights on time and to budget.

One month later and operatives from sister company Delta International Steeplejacks — experts in high-altitude installation — supervised the final phase of what is now one of the world’s greatest structures.

“Our reputation for providing bespoke aircraft warning lighting from design right through to installation is spreading throughout the world and this project is a good example. Having never worked in Iran before we were invited to illuminate the country’s most visible and recognisable landmark, which says a lot about the products we produce and the services we provide,” added Tariq.