The production of high-quality steel begins long before the metal is smelted. In particular in Drop Hammer Shop. Every day, hundreds of tonnes of scrap metal arrive here. It is here that scrap metal begins its transformation from ordinary scrap into a valuable raw material from which new steel is ultimately made. For 91 years, the subdivision's team has played a vital role in the plant’s production cycle, transforming discarded metal into the foundation of future steel products.
This is where scrap metal is given a second life. Employees of the shop receive, sort, clean, cut and compact scrap metal, preparing it for further use in steelmaking operations. The quality of this preparation is critical to ensuring the uninterrupted operation of production processes, the efficient performance of equipment and, ultimately, the quality of the finished steel products.
Each month, the subdivision processes up to 45,000 tonnes of scrap metal and steel scrap, equivalent to around 700 railway wagons. In 2025, Drop Hammer Shop employees processed more than half a million tonnes of raw material for new steel production.
Drop Hammer Shop today: 142 employees, 23 of whom are currently defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Defence Forces, up to 45,000 tonnes of scrap metal processed each month, two baling presses, 16 overhead electric cranes and six mobile material handlers.
People in the subdivision speak frankly: one of the biggest challenges remains a shortage of personnel, particularly crane operators and flame cutters. One of the most effective ways of addressing the challenge is the strong engagement of employees in the “Bring a Friend” referral programme, alongside a systematic approach to the training and retraining of personnel.
According to Yurii Kurto, Head of Drop Hammer Shop, the subdivision continues not only to fulfil its production targets despite all the challenges of wartime, but also to modernise its equipment within the allocated budget.
"We delivered one of our largest projects in recent years. For the first time since the start of the full-scale war, we completed a major overhaul of the B-101 baling press, including the restoration of the second-stage pressing unit and repairs to three pumps. This year, we are continuing that work. Plans include a major overhaul of the B-1642 baling press, as well as repairs to four more pumps. These are important steps towards ensuring the sustainable operation of the shop,” says Yurii KURTO.
The people who have spent years helping to develop the shop and passing on their experience to younger colleagues are a particular source of pride for the subdivision. The longest-serving employee is crane operator Larysa Syrman, who has been working at Drop Hammer Shop for 41 years.
Another example of continuity across generations is the Ovcharenko family dynasty. Among them are mobile material handler operator Ihor Ovcharenko, who is currently defending Ukraine as part of the Defence Forces, crane operator Liubov Ovcharenko, and team leader Oleksandr Ovcharenko. The combined length of their service in the shop amounts to 47 years.
Oleksandr Ovcharenko is one of the subdivision's most promising young employees. He joined the plant with no prior industrial experience, quickly mastered the profession and today works successfully as a team leader.
"Over its long history, our shop has seen many different times, but never ones as dark and difficult as these. Yet there is one thing in our work that remains unchanged, even under the pressure of time: the strength of the team. a shared set of values and outlooks, together with a clear understanding of one’s personal impact and contribution to the collective result. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to every employee for their sense of responsibility, dedication to their work and conscientious efforts each and every day. I wish the entire team good health, prosperity, professional success, safe working conditions and, above all, a swift return to peace,” Yurii Kurto, Head of Drop Hammer Shop, said in a message to employees.
For more than nine decades, the shop’s team has proved that: high-quality steel begins with high-quality prepared raw materials and the people who carry out their work conscientiously every day.
