Career 8/7/2024 Read 7 min

In the light of the Golden Star – Zaporizhia Coke specialist receives top corporate award

Maksym Kobyliatsky, a leading specialist in the recovery workshop at Zaporizhia Coke, is playing a pivotal role in ensuring stable and safe operations of the team and the production facility. His dedication, coupled with his boundless energy and enthusiasm, has not only driven significant economic benefits but also inspired the entire productive teamwork. This year, Maksym has been honoured with the highest accolade from Metinvest Group – the prestigious Golden Star award.

“I can hardly believe I’ve been recognised with such an esteemed award. I’m deeply grateful to the company’s leadership, my workshop manager, and all my colleagues. Working alongside them has shaped me into a professional deserving of the Golden Star award. It’s truly important that our management acknowledges and rewards employees, letting them know their work is appreciated and valued,” said Maksym KOBYLIATSKY.

Maksym has been instrumental in several key projects at the workshop. Notably, he contributed to the modernisation of the Sulzer benzene scrubber nozzle system, which resulted in the highest level of coke gas purification from benzene, boosting monthly benzene production by 30 tonnes. 

In October 2023, Maksym spearheaded a project to replace the phenolic water pump with a more energy-efficient Munsch pump, leading to a remarkable financial savings of nearly UAH 600,000 within just seven months.

“My mother, who worked here, introduced me to this profession. Not only did she bring me into this field but she also sparked my interest. I found it fascinating to understand chemical processes, learn and improve production techniques. Thanks to the substantial support, advice, and experience of my colleagues, I’ve become who I am today. Now, we work together to develop effective strategies, operational improvements and solutions for modernising production,” said Maksym Kobyliatsky

Maksym’s contributions have been crucial in maintaining the recovery shop’s stability during the raging war, particularly through optimising the operation of pump equipment, heat exchangers, benzene scrubbers and end gas coolers. He places a special emphasis on safeguarding and reinforcing equipment in case of potential enemy attacks as chemical shops are high-risk facilities.

Moreover, Maksym is an active participant of Safe Workspace programme, with 11 of his proposed measures successfully implemented this year.

Since the onset of the full-scale war, Maksym has been actively supporting his colleagues who defend Ukraine on the frontlines by gathering essential items and equipment. Also, he assists war veterans in adapting to civilian life when they return to work. As a father of three, Maksym extends his care to the most vulnerable in his local community, providing essentials for children. 

Over the years, Maksym has become a mentor to many within the workshop, motivating them to pursue professional growth and master related skills. His colleagues hold him in high regard.

“A highly skilled professional, Maksym has earned the respect of the entire team through his deep involvement in all matters and his readiness to assist others. Even the more experienced workers look up to him as he has mastered many aspects of the workshop’s operations. In addition, Maksym is a sociable person with a great sense of humour. Most importantly, he always maintains a positive outlook and encourages others to stay hopeful,” said Stanislav PLIUSCH, deputy head of Zaporizhia Coke’s recovery shop.

This year, 22 employees have been honoured with prestigious individual awards from Metinvest Group, along with the Metallurgist and Miner Day bonus.