Every day brings hundreds of routes, thousands of kilometres, and dozens of production tasks. The Road Transport Department of Zaporizhstal ensures the continuous operation of the enterprise. It transports employees, delivers cargo, responds promptly to production needs, and supports technological and service functions of the large plant.
The department is a complex system where each subdivision is responsible for its own area – from technical maintenance and equipment to organising transportation. However, the department's main value is its people, whose experience and responsibility keep the transport running every day.
Giving Engines a Second Life
Serhii Chumak has been working as a repairman in Vehicle Repair Shop No. 2 at Zaporizhstal for more than 30 years. However, his interest in machinery began in childhood. At that time, he was fascinated by complex mechanisms, engines, their structure and operation. A desire to understand each component in detail and how to bring a mechanism back to proper condition was always with him. During his years at the plant, Serhii has repaired almost all engines of automotive equipment operating here.
Over the decades, several generations of engines have passed through the shop. At one time, Serhii worked with technologically simple Soviet engines, while today he deals with modern power units of various brands. For him, the condition of the equipment matters more than the year it was produced.
"The world is changing – and with it the technologies and the environment in which we live. But we adapt to these changes: we abandon the old and master the modern. In my shop the same approach works as in everyday life," says Serhii CHUMAK.
After the start of the full-scale war, his experience was needed beyond production as well. Serhii helped repair equipment for the Ukrainian military.
His colleagues say that a significant share of the plant's vehicle engines has passed through Serhii Chumak's hands. He knows the machinery well and restores it to proper operation quickly and accurately.
Lifting to a New Level
Roman Burova is a driver and operator of a lift truck and hydraulic lift in Motor Pool No. 1 of Zaporizhstal's Road Transport Department. He got a profession at the Zaporizhzhia Vocational Lyceum of Motor Transport, where he studied to become a crane truck operator. He has been operating heavy machinery since 2008.
Today Roman operates a crane capable of moving loads weighing up to 90 tonnes – from rail wagons to massive metal structures. Work tasks change almost every day, so the job requires attentiveness, precision and confident control of the equipment. Roman says this very variety keeps the profession interesting.
"In our work, there are hardly any identical days. Today we lift metal structures, tomorrow we work with rail cars or other equipment. That is what makes my job interesting – its variety," Roman BUROVA adds.
After the start of the full-scale war, he also took part in special tasks supporting the Ukrainian military and helped clear debris after enemy shelling.
Handling Heavy Machinery with Ease
Serhii Huba has been working at Zaporizhstal since 1988. Over the years, he has become one of the most experienced heavy vehicle drivers in the Road Transport Department.
He began his career at the plant driving a ZIL truck. Later he worked with a MAZ truck, and eventually moved on to a BelAZ dump truck. Most of his professional life has been connected with this equipment – Serhii has been working with BelAZ trucks for more than 30 years. Today he operates his third BelAZ. His cargo consists of slag and scrap metal, which he delivers to different subdivisions of the plant.
"Every machine is unique and has its own temperament. Even with identical specifications, they behave differently – each has its own character and nuances. But after years of working with machinery, I quickly find common ground with it – you just work with it a little and get used to each other," Serhii HUBA says with a smile.
The team of Zaporizhstal's Road Transport Department marks its 58th anniversary united in coordinated teamwork. We congratulate the department and wish them peace, safe work and confident progress forward.
