The very name of the Production Preparation Department at Zaporizhstal speaks to the importance of this subdivision for the enterprise. It is responsible for supplying shops with materials, manufacturing wooden pallets and timber, and maintaining warehouse operations and the base coal storage facility. Behind every area of work are people who know their jobs well and keep Zaporizhstal's production running smoothly every day.
Today, even amid staff shortages, the energy crisis, and other challenges brought about by the war, the team continues to demonstrate high efficiency and ensure the stable operation of the enterprise.
The winter of 2025–2026 proved especially challenging for employees at the base coal storage facility. Prolonged frost complicated equipment operation and production processes; however, the team prevented disruptions to coal unloading and ensured the timely shipment of pulverised coal injection (PCI) blend for the blast furnace shop. In October 2025, the department also completed a major overhaul of three wagon tippler hoppers, which increased the reliability of the equipment.
One of the greatest achievements of the base coal storage team in 2026 was a record volume of accumulated raw materials. More than 115,000 tonnes of coal were stored simultaneously at the facility – the highest figure in the department's history. Despite the record volumes, site specialists successfully organised the acceptance, storage, and accurate accounting of raw materials.
The tare shop also performs important work for the enterprise. Every day, employees at this site supply pallets to the rolling shops, as finished steel products are shipped on them. The work requires precision, endurance, and experience, and the shop team once again proved that it can work effectively even under difficult production conditions. Over the past year, the shop manufactured nearly 55,000 wooden pallets. Part of the output – more than 12,000 pallets – was shipped to colleagues at Unisteel.
In spring 2026, the shop employees also mastered the production of a new type of pallet for Zaporizhvohnetryv. Previously, the enterprise purchased these pallets from third-party suppliers, but they are now manufactured in-house. This makes it possible to meet the needs of Metinvest Group enterprises with internally manufactured products while reducing unnecessary costs.
The sawmill also operated steadily. Over the year, the site produced more than 6,000 cubic metres of timber products of various types. Employees ensured the timely supply of products to the rolling shops to prevent delays in finished steel shipments.
The Production Preparation Department's warehouse facilities ensured the timely receipt and dispatch of inventories to the enterprise's shops. Throughout the year, the department performed its tasks consistently and without disruption.
Stanislav KLIUIEV, Head of the Production Preparation Department:
"The Production Preparation Department team consists of specialists who know their work well and support the stable operation of the plant every day. Each section has its own tasks and area of responsibility, but we are united by a shared goal and an understanding of the importance of our work. I am grateful to the team for its professionalism, resilience, and conscientious attitude to work. Happy anniversary, team!"
