For the Ostapchuk dynasty, Zaporizhzhia Refractories is not just a place of work. Six members of the dynasty have collectively devoted 177 years to the company, and this story continues to this day. Six members of the dynasty have 177 years of combined work experience, and this story continues to this day. This year, the family was awarded the Metinvest title of "Golden Dynasty of Maintenance Professionals".
The founder of the dynasty was Nadiia Ostapchuk, who began her career at the enterprise in 1969. She worked as a foreman in the grinding section of the magnesia products shop. Over the years, she earned the respect of her colleagues and left a lasting professional legacy. In 2012, she retired, passing the baton to the next generations.
In 1972, her husband, Volodymyr Ostapchuk also joined enterprise. He worked as the head of the railway department and devoted 39 years of his working life to the company.
FACT
Every year, Metinvest honours families that shape the Company's history. In 2026, four Golden Dynasties and six Steel Dynasties were recognised through Metinvest’s corporate competition, honouring families of metallurgists, miners, maintenance professionals and coke plant workers.
The family tradition was continued by their daughters. Valentyna Kovalenko worked as a charge operator in the refractory firing section of the alumina silicate shop. She worked at the enterprise from 1997 to 2012. Two sisters – Vita Sorochenko and Veronika Vorozhtsova – currently work as engineers in the technical control department of the technology and quality office.
"I really wanted to work at the enterprise where my parents worked because, from childhood, I had heard many stories about their work. I wanted to continue the family tradition at the enterprise. Moreover, working alongside your loved ones provides a special sense of support, as well as shared values, interests, and goals," said Vita SOROCHENKO.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the sisters have not remained indifferent to the difficulties faced by others. They helped two families from Bakhmut and Soledar evacuate and adapt to life in Zaporizhzhia. They continue to support these families to this day: they helped them find jobs and are also paying the rent for one family whose elderly retired members are unable to work.
Today, Vita Sorochenko is the head of the labour dynasty. She believes that every member of the Ostapchuk family has been able to fulfil their potential at the company and carry on the family tradition with honour.
Vita Sorochenko, head of the dynasty:
"Our dynasty serves as an example of unity, resilience, and dedication to our enterprise. It is the people who have worked for the benefit of the plant for decades who create its history and shape its future."
