Almost 140 labour dynasties work at Kamet-Steel. Among them is the Zachepylo family. Six of its representatives together gave more than 173 years to the enterprise. In this large family, responsibility and dedication are passed down from generation to generation. And when the greatest threat loomed over Ukraine, two men from the family did not hesitate to defend it. One of them gave his life for freedom.
The founder of the dynasty was Ivan Dmitrievich Zachepylo. For over 40 years, he worked on a long-rolling mill, becoming a true master of his craft.
His sons chose the railway direction. The eldest Serhiy worked in industrial transportation. He became one of the most experienced specialists in the workshop, trained young machinists and passed on knowledge to the next generations. It is symbolic that first his younger brother, and later his own son, underwent practical training in the same crew with him.
The younger brother Dmytro Zachepylo decided to delve into the profession also from the engineering and managerial side. He received higher education and worked his way up from an assistant train driver to the chief inspector for railway safety at Kamet-Steel.
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.
Other representatives of the family are also inscribed in the labour history of the family. Serhiy's wife, Vera, has been working as a cargo and luggage receiver for more than 40 years, and their son Serhiy has also worked in the railway department unit for six years. Svitlana, the wife of Dmytro Zachepylo, has been ensuring the accuracy of measurements as a weigher in the metrology and weighing shop for more than 22 years.
The family's life, like millions of Ukrainians, was changed by the war. In the first days of the full-scale invasion, Dmytro Zachepylo defended the country. For courage and courage, he was awarded state and military awards and now continues to serve.
Serhiy Zachepylo, an ATO veteran, joined the airborne assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in early March 2022. And two weeks later, the connection with him disappeared. Only in June 2025, the family received confirmation of his death. His name is forever inscribed in the history of Kamet-Steel among those who gave their lives for Ukraine.
Dmytro ZACHEPILO, head of the dynasty:
– Hard work, responsibility and love for Ukraine are the basis of our family. We cherish traditions, support each other and raise children in respect for work, honour and duty. My brother, the Defender of Ukraine, who gave his life for the Motherland, will forever live in our memory. Our strength is in the unity of generations, dignity and invincibility.
