Zaporizhstal’s cold rolling shop began operations exactly 86 years ago.
The cold rolling shop is the final stage in Zaporizhstal's production cycle. A wide range of professionals – including pickling line operators, rolling mill operators, heat treatment specialists, maintenance technicians, packaging personnel, and others – work together to deliver the final product.
The cold rolling shop comprises 15 departments, areas, and functions – each with its own responsibilities and important asks. For example, the team of the area responsible for maintaining hydraulic systems mechanical equipment ensures trouble-free operation of almost all key facilities of the shop such as the rolling and skin pass mills, Pickling Line No. 4, and others.
"We ensure that the equipment stays in good condition, operates reliably, and undergoes timely inspections and repairs. We often take preventive measures to eliminate even the slightest risk of unplanned downtime. Naturally, our work impacts the final quality of the steel shipped to customers, so we understand how important our function is and do everything we can to guarantee trouble-free operation," says Yurii HORODNYCHYI, area foreman.
The team in this area includes over 20 professionals, among them Volodymyr TKACHUK, a maintenance technician. A seasoned expert in his field, Volodymyr has been working at the plant for 18 years. According to him, the entire team at the shop works in unison toward a shared goal.
"As in any workplace, everyone here has their own responsibilities and tasks. But we always support each other – whether it’s with advice or direct help. When there’s mutual understanding and a sense that your colleagues have your back, the work goes more smoothly and you feel more confident – even in the challenging times we’re going through together as a country," adds Volodymyr.
Next in line is the heat treatment department, where towering, sizzling gas-fired bell-type furnaces heat the steel to achieve the required mechanical properties for downstream processing. The department is predominantly staffed by men but also includes female employees. Anna Volova, a heat treatment specialist, is one of them.
"I’ve been working in the cold rolling shop for nearly six years. Here in the heat treatment department, I monitor furnace performance using instruments and record even the slightest deviations. Monitoring processes like stable temperature conditions in furnaces and energy consumption for the technological process is part of my daily responsibilities and my contribution to the production of quality rolled products. Is this job difficult? Not with my team and colleagues I have. I'm glad to be part of such a reliable team," says Anna VOLOVA, a heat treatment specialist for rolled products and pipes.
The final step in working with cold-rolled steel is quality packaging and shipping to customers. Experienced workers consider this a critical process, which is why they mentor young professionals and take pride in those who chose a career in metallurgy.
"I want to thank everyone who continues to work and contribute to our shop’s results. Our successes wouldn’t be possible without the experience and knowledge of each employee – this is our shared achievement. Thanks to the Ukrainian defenders, including our own colleagues – some of whom have already returned from the frontline – we have the opportunity to live, work, support the army and civilians, and strengthen our country. We thank them for their protection and for the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of our shop. Let's keep up the good work!" says Oleksandr TYSHCHENKO, shop manager.
