Each Zaporizhzhia Coke employee is an integral part of a large team that works in a coordinated and responsible manner to sustain a shared production rhythm.
To mark Zaporizhzhia Coke's 92nd anniversary, five employees of the enterprise were rewarded. These individuals exemplify professionalism, responsibility, and dedication to their work.
Yurii IHNATENKO, an electrician at the coke shop, has been working at the enterprise since 1996. He is responsible for the reliable operation of the coke shop’s electrical equipment, which is essential to ensuring uninterrupted production.
“I have always enjoyed this line of work – from a young age I was interested in machinery, eager to understand how everything functions, to set it up properly, and to ensure it operates efficiently and without disruption. Our production is entirely dependent on electricity; therefore, ensuring the stable operation of equipment is of paramount importance. My primary task is to ensure that everything operates reliably: without emergency shutdowns and with production plans for coke being fully met. Zaporizhzhia Coke is also a family story for me. My mother worked as an operator in the pitch coke shop, and my brother as a fitter in the by‑product recovery shop. So this enterprise is truly close to my heart. On the occasion of the anniversary, I wish the enterprise continued development, modernisation, and stable operations, because when there is work, there is confidence in the future."
Oleh ZARUDNYI, a coke oven gas operator, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the thermal mode of the batteries – a key process that directly affects coke quality.
“Each day brings new tasks that require attentiveness, full engagement, and experience. This is demanding work – it requires a deep understanding of the processes, identifying the causes of insufficient heating; at times this can be challenging, but that is precisely what makes the job interesting. Together with my colleagues, we carry out measurements and set the temperature mode in accordance with established standards: 1,175° on the machine side and 1,185° on the coke side. There is always enough work, sometimes even more than one would like, but what matters here is not being afraid of difficulties — rolling up one’s sleeves and getting on with the job. In our field, a creative approach is essential: each piece of equipment has its own specific characteristics, and each requires an individual approach. I worked primarily on the second battery, but I also had to work on COB Nos. 5–6. They are all different, which once again confirms that there are no universal solutions in this area."
Oleksandr TERESHCHENKO, a maintenance fitter in the tar distillation production unit, is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of equipment and the uninterrupted operation of critical production processes, including water treatment and its return to the production cycle. At Oleksandr’s site, effluent water is received and treated, after which it is returned to the production process and used for coke quenching and other technical purposes.
"I have been working at Zaporizhzhia Coke since 2003, in the tar distillation production unit. I am responsible for equipment maintenance, including pumps and pipelines, ensuring that all systems operate steadily and without disruption. I take satisfaction in ensuring that everything is properly adjusted and functions as it should. Perhaps this is why the work does not seem difficult to me – it is something I genuinely enjoy. My wife also works at the enterprise, so Zaporizhzhia Coke is truly a place we consider our own for our family. Everything here is clear, familiar, and proven over many years. Even in the most challenging times, the plant never ceased operations; it continued to function reliably and to support its employees. And in turn, we support it through our work. I believe that our team performs this work effectively. On the occasion of the company’s anniversary, I wish us stable operations, new production achievements and, above all, the opportunity to work in peace."
Anatolii KLUNICHEV, an operator responsible for crude benzene production in the by‑products recovery unit, has been working at the enterprise for 18 years. He joined the enterprise because he has always been interested in chemistry – and this field continues to engage him to this day. Anatolii now shares his professional experience with younger employees.
“Everyone, in their respective roles, has a thorough command of their work. In our field, safety is the top priority, as chemical substances leave no room for error. Attentiveness, professional composure, and strict adherence to all procedures are required. We have a very close‑knit team – we support one another and work together as a real team. Young people are joining the workforce, and we pass on our experience to them and provide training. There are employees whom I once trained, and who today have become my trusted colleagues. This is probably one of the greatest sources of pride in the job."
Oleksandr SYCHOV has been working at Zaporizhzhia Coke since 1997 and currently holds the position of maintenance fitter in the by‑products recovery unit. His area of responsibility is ensuring the uninterrupted operation of equipment. Oleksandr handles these responsibilities successfully, as he has extensive experience.
"Repair and maintenance form the foundation of stable operations. This determines the timely fulfilment of the production plan and, consequently, the overall performance of the entire enterprise and our team. The atmosphere within the team is no less important. When there is mutual understanding and support within a team, work becomes much easier. To mark the enterprise’s anniversary, I would like to wish all colleagues inspiration, good health, new professional achievements, and, above all, peaceful work in our Ukraine.”
