Over his 10 years at Zaporizhstal’s Open-Hearth Shop, Andrii Popov progressed from a Steelmaker’s Assistant to Senior Foreman of the Furnace Unit. His colleagues know him as someone who is not afraid to take on complex production challenges and is constantly looking for ways to make processes more efficient.

One of Andrii’s most significant achievements was the optimisation of open-hearth furnace bottom repair operations. Under his leadership, the repair of the steel tapping hole was implemented without interrupting technological operations. This made it possible to reduce the duration of repair work and cut annual natural gas consumption by 100,000 cubic metres.

Another successful project implemented with his active involvement was the reduction in the consumption of magnesia-based refractory compounds. 

Andrii places great emphasis on occupational health and safety. He developed 25 initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety.

Since the start of the full-scale war, Andrii has been actively involved in supporting internally displaced people from frontline areas of Zaporizhzhia region, as well as Ukraine’s defenders.

Dmytro Ruban joined Zaporizhstal nine years ago as a diesel locomotive driver assistant.  Today, he manages one of the plant’s key railway districts, whose operations are critical to ensuring the timely supply of raw materials and the shipment of finished products. His work became particularly important under wartime conditions. Throughout 2025–2026, despite air raid alerts and shelling, the Eastern District has maintained stable railway transportation operations. 

Dmytro continuously works to improve efficiency across the railway network. With his participation, the time required to release rail wagons after raw material unloading was successfully reduced. This reduced rolling stock downtime.

Over the years, Dmytro has become a mentor to 20 young specialists, many of whom are now preparing to take on managerial responsibilities.

As a leader, Dmytro Ruban is committed not only to achieving operational results but also to supporting and developing his people. At his initiative, modular bomb shelters were installed within the Eastern District’s operational area. He supports war veterans and helps them adapt upon their return to work.

Mykola Krainik has devoted his entire working life to the rolling mill industry. For the past 23 years, he has worked as a hot rolling mill operator. Although his primary workplace is the tube billet section, Mykola has hands-on experience across all rolling mills at Kamet Steel.

His versatility and in-depth knowledge of rolling processes have made him a key member of the team working to restore parts of the product range that were partially lost as a result of the war. With his active involvement, Kamet Steel became the first company in Ukraine to launch the production of mine support sections and channels on a tube billet rolling mill.

Colleagues say that where others see a problem, Mykola Krainik looks for a solution. A vivid example is his development involving the use of a non-standard run-out guide on the 750 mill stands, which receives the rolled product from the stand and directs it further along the production line. Thanks to this solution, the metal intensity factor was reduced.

For Roman Zaitsev, Kamet Steel is part of his family’s history. His parents worked in the blast furnace shop, while he and his brother chose careers on the railway. Soon, Roman's eldest son will also continue the family's working dynasty as he prepares to begin his career at the company as a diesel locomotive driver assistant.

Roman has headed the Domenna Station for 12 years. Today, he is recognised as one of the most respected specialists in the field of railway transportation of hot blast furnace products.

Roman’s life was radically changed by the war. In 2015–2016, he took part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), and from 2019 continued his service in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Following the start of the full-scale invasion, he carried out combat missions in the Air Defence Forces across Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk sectors. In 2024, Roman sustained a serious injury and, following rehabilitation, returned to his home enterprise. Today, his military experience continues to serve him well in his professional role, where Roman Zaitsev places particular emphasis on occupational health and safety. 

Under his leadership, the station handles the transportation of more than 2,100 rail wagons carrying strategic raw materials each month. His team’s work was particularly important during the major overhauls of the blast furnaces. The railway team organised the delivery of oversized equipment without delays and without disrupting the main freight flow, helping to complete the overhauls ahead of schedule and return the blast furnaces to operation quickly.

In addition to his production responsibilities, Roman actively supports veterans, helping colleagues adapt to civilian life after returning from the front line.

Iryna has been working at Central Iron Ore for 20 years. Over that period, she has become one of the most respected specialists within the energy function and an expert in occupational health and safety for high-voltage units. She leads the largest section within the department, whose performance is critical to ensuring the reliable power supply of the plant’s production facilities.

Iryna’s professionalism was demonstrated particularly clearly in the aftermath of enemy drone attacks on the plant’s energy infrastructure. As forewoman, she coordinated emergency recovery operations, organised complex operational switching procedures, and managed cooperation between production departments, emergency response teams and law enforcement agencies. It was thanks to the coordinated efforts of the power engineers under her leadership that electrical power supply was restored within a short timeframe, enabling production facilities to resume operations quickly.

Mentorship has been an equally important part of her professional journey. Iryna has trained dozens of young specialists, helping them build successful careers at the plant. 

What adds particular significance to this story is Iryna’s personal resilience. Having lost her husband in the war, she found the strength to continue working and supporting her team.

More than three decades ago, Anatolii Bulava joined Crushing Plant No. 1 as an electrical fitter, and he has remained dedicated to his department ever since. Anatolii’s responsibilities have long extended beyond the confines of the Chief Electrician’s office. He is a technical leader whose work has a direct impact on both safety performance and operational efficiency. The modernisation of the third- and fourth-stage crushing conveyors through the introduction of variable frequency drives increased conveyor belt speed and boosted line throughput by 7 tonnes per hour. The modernisation of the ore spraying system on the conveyors significantly reduced dust levels and improved working conditions. 

Under Anatolii’s leadership, a wide range of key equipment at the plant has been modernised. Behind every decision he makes is a determination to identify additional opportunities for improving production performance, as well as a genuine commitment to the people he works alongside. 

During the full-scale war, Anatolii Bulava has helped organise fundraising efforts for mobilised colleagues, contributed to the preparation of humanitarian aid shipments, and taken part in the construction of protective fortifications for the defence of Kryvyi Rih.

Andrii Ivolha has devoted 36 years of his career to the mining industry. His passion for the profession was instilled by his parents, who worked at the mining and processing plant in Pokrov. Andrii took his first professional steps while still at university, combining his studies with work at the then Ordzhonikidze Iron Ore. However, it was Southern Iron Ore that became his true professional home. He joined the company 33 years ago as an electrical fitter in the Mining Operations Department.

Today, Andrii Ivolha is one of the most experienced managers of the open-pit mine, with a proven ability to see the bigger picture, anticipate risks and find effective solutions even in the most challenging operational situations.

The high standard of his work is evidenced by tangible results. In 2025 alone, under Andrii Ivolha’s leadership, nearly 2.2 million tonnes of ore were shipped to Central Iron Ore for processing. 

Andrii Petrovych is particularly valued for his willingness to take responsibility. Following the blackout at the plant, it was largely thanks to his initiatives that equipment operations were restored in the shortest possible time.

Yurii Ihnatenko’s family history is closely linked with Zaporizhzhia Coke. His mother and brother both worked at the company, while he himself has spent 30 years ensuring the reliable operation of electrical equipment in the coke production shop. The continuity of the production process depends to a large extent on his professional decisions.

Over the years, Yurii has earned a reputation as a specialist who can quickly identify and resolve faults, even in the most challenging situations. These qualities were particularly evident during the large-scale blackout in February 2025. At that time, together with his colleagues, he took part in restoring and stabilising the operation of the shop’s electrical equipment, helping the company return to normal operations as quickly as possible.

Yurii actively contributes to equipment modernisation initiatives. With his involvement, a soft-start system for the conveyor was implemented, reducing mechanical stress on the equipment and improving its operational reliability. Another important project was the modernisation of a screening unit. 

Yurii actively contributes to the development and updating of “Safe Workplace” maps. His colleagues value him not only for his professional expertise, but also for his willingness to share knowledge and support others. While acting as a foreman, he coordinates the work of the team and helps young employees master the profession.

Since the start of the full-scale war, Yurii has supported mobilised colleagues and their families, participated in charitable initiatives, and repaired power banks and generators for servicemen.

Vitalii’s professional career began in 2016 at Zaporizhstal, where he worked as a mechanical fitter in the Metallurgical Furnace Repair Shop. Within just six months, the young specialist was promoted to foreman. Following the establishment of Zaporizhzhia Refractories' service centre in Zaporizhzhia, he was appointed Head of the Equipment Repair and Maintenance Section.

Vitalii has established himself as a leader capable of uniting a team around complex challenges. A key focus of his work has been employee training and the development of the department. Under the conditions of martial law, Vitalii organised the introduction of new types of repair work, including the repair of the main roof arch crossbeams of open-hearth furnaces. Under his leadership, the department’s structure was expanded and equipped with the necessary machinery and equipment. He implemented a range of technical solutions aimed at improving production efficiency. 

Vitalii and his team actively support Ukraine’s defenders. Employees manufactured potbelly stoves, brackets for dugouts, rigid tow bars, recovery slings for vehicle evacuation, and other essential items for the front line. Following one of the shelling attacks on Zaporizhzhia, he promptly coordinated the deployment of equipment to restore operations at Zaporizhstal’s oxygen-compressor shop.

Mykola Khadzhyradov has worked in the Mechanical Workshop of Metinvest Machinery for more than two decades. He began his career as a turner and, three years later, moved into a mechanical fitter role. Since then, he has remained committed to both his profession and his guiding principles at work: Responsibility, professionalism, and continuous development.

Over the years, Mykola has become one of the company’s most experienced specialists. His approach extends beyond carrying out high-quality repairs; it also involves identifying solutions that make processes safer and more efficient.

Mykola consistently delivers complex and urgent orders for production departments, including the Blast Furnace Shop at Zaporizhstal, helping to ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical equipment. He was involved in the manufacture and installation of key assemblies and components for blast furnaces. Particularly noteworthy are his engineering solutions, including a device he developed for the safe hydraulic testing of blast furnace tuyeres.

Despite his extensive experience, Mykola remains open to new knowledge and actively shares it with others. He is a mentor to young employees. He is valued by his colleagues for his calm demeanour, sound judgement, willingness to help others, and excellent sense of humour.

Mykola’s proactive attitude extends beyond the workplace as well. During the war, he has actively participated in the company’s volunteer and humanitarian initiatives and supports colleagues who have been mobilised for military service. In recognition of his professional achievements and active civic engagement, he was awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council.

Over three and a half years at Metinvest Digital, Bohdan Vorobiov has become one of the company’s key experts in web and mobile development. He plays a key role in the creation and advancement of the company’s digital products.

Thanks to his approaches to automation and process optimisation, the preparation of new releases of IT products has been significantly accelerated, while the reliability of their operation has been substantially improved. He actively promotes the adoption of unified development standards, modern tools, and best practices that enable teams to work more efficiently and deliver higher-quality results.

Bohdan does not limit himself to the technical delivery of tasks; he also helps identify solutions that meet both user needs and the company’s business objectives. It was through his initiatives that the infrastructure of several products was optimised, improving the efficiency of their deployment while reducing associated costs. Bohdan also serves as the lead developer of several business-critical digital products for Metinvest.

Bohdan is also actively involved in mentoring, participates in the recruitment of new specialists, and developed an assessment framework for front-end developers. Outside of work, he also remains active and caring. Bohdan is a blood donor and leads by example, inspiring his colleagues to take part in important social initiatives.

In customer relations, true success is built on trust, swift decision-making, and the ability to establish long-term partnerships. It is on these very principles that Vita Voloshchuk has been working at Metinvest-SMC for 13 years.

One of Vita’s key achievements has been the development of strategic partnerships with key customers across the Western Region. This systematic effort delivered tangible results: sales volumes of steel products increased by 42%, while the active customer base grew by 40%.

Vita Voloshchuk consistently delivers outstanding sales performance: every second customer interaction results in a deal, significantly exceeding the industry average. She does not simply sell products; she builds systematic relationships with customers. 

An important part of her work is developing people. Vita helps new managers adapt quickly and achieve strong results. 

During the war, she has demonstrated an active civic stance, supporting mobilised colleagues and helping veterans readjust to civilian life after their return.

Serhii Merkulov is a certified risk assessment specialist. In 2025 alone, he was involved in conducting 12 comprehensive risk assessments. Based on the outcomes of these assessments, additional preventive measures were implemented.

Serhii monitors compliance with requirements and trains employees to work safely. He developed and delivered four proprietary training courses for employees of Metinvest Sichsteel and contractor organisations.

A significant contribution made by Serhii was the implementation of a Health and Safety Plan at construction sites, developed in accordance with best practices in safety management. He also developed a number of corporate documents that now define the requirements for contractor safety and the provision of personal protective equipment to employees.

Serhii introduced a contractor emergency readiness verification system. One such training scenario – “Working at Height: Fall from Height” – was implemented for contractors involved in the Thickened Tailings Facilities Construction Project at Northern Iron Ore. 

Olha Pokotylova actively drives the implementation of electronic document management, automation, and robotisation of HR processes. With her participation, solutions based on SAP HCM and OpenText were improved, and HR procedures, including leave processing, were automated. As a result, the number of manual operations was reduced, HR services were standardised, and the quality of service provided to internal customers was improved.

Her work proved particularly valuable during large-scale workforce transformations at enterprises located in temporarily non-government-controlled territories. With Olha’s involvement, a comprehensive set of solutions was implemented that enabled all required HR procedures for nearly 20,000 employees to be completed within the established timeframe, without the need for additional resources. Her systematic approach helped the company navigate this challenging period in an organised manner and in full compliance with legislative requirements.

Olha is one of the key experts in the SAP HCM system. At the same time, her strengths extend beyond technical expertise alone. She is able to explain complex matters in simple terms and helps colleagues adapt quickly to new tools. Over the years, Olha has trained more than 250 employees in the use of modern HR systems, developed training materials and user guides that continue to help employees work more effectively today.

For most employees, water at the plant is a routine part of the production process. For Toncho Angelov, it is the work of an entire professional lifetime. For nearly 30 years, he has worked in Promet Steel’s water management department and now leads the unit responsible for ensuring the plant’s stable water supply. He is responsible for production and potable water systems, pumping stations, reservoirs, and other critical infrastructure.

Thanks to Toncho Angelov’s professional approach, there have been no instances of drinking or industrial water quality failing to meet the established standards at the plant over the past five years. The company successfully passed inspections conducted by environmental and regulatory authorities.

Toncho continuously works to improve the efficiency of production processes. With his involvement, the control system for the pumping equipment at the 300 Mill pumping station was modernised. As a result, the company significantly reduced its electricity consumption.

Ian Todd has worked at Spartan UK for more than 15 years. He is widely known as someone who not only finds effective technical solutions but also brings people together around a common goal. Thanks to his leadership qualities, the department has developed a strong, highly motivated team with virtually zero staff turnover.

Ian places particular emphasis on occupational health and safety. At Ian’s initiative, additional safety barriers were installed in production areas and safe pedestrian routes were created, helping to reduce the risk of workplace injuries. The system of production inspections was also strengthened, helping to identify potential risks in a timely manner and prevent hazardous situations.

Among Ian’s technical achievements, one of the most significant is the modernisation of the equipment maintenance system. He proposes automated solutions for maintaining production machinery that would otherwise require a significant amount of manual work.

Colleagues value Ian for his professionalism, ability to respond quickly to challenges, and willingness to take responsibility in difficult situations. 

Stefano Canteri has been working at Ferriera Valsider for 27 years. He began his professional career as a Logistics Specialist and today leads the company’s supply function, overseeing product finishing processes, logistics, and the optimisation of the plant’s entire supply chain.

Over the past several years, Stefano has implemented a number of initiatives that have significantly improved the efficiency of Ferriera Valsider’s operations. Thanks to his solutions, the company reduced excess inventory levels by nearly one third. He also succeeded in significantly reducing the volume of products held in storage for specific customers. 

One of his key projects was the reorganisation of product finishing and warehouse logistics processes. He restructured the interaction between production and warehousing in such a way as to reduce unnecessary internal movements by one third. The storage capacity of Ferriera Valsider’s warehousing operations increased threefold.

Stefano also became the initiator of the introduction of new supply chain management standards. This made it possible to reduce delivery delays by almost a quarter and improve key order fulfilment performance indicators. 

During the full-scale war in Ukraine, Stefano Canteri has provided comprehensive support to Ukrainians through volunteer organisations in Italy.

Luca Scapinello has been working at Metinvest Trametal for more than 28 years. During this time, he progressed from an equipment maintenance mechanic to Maintenance Coordinator for the rolling mill area. He worked in both production and technical departments, gained in-depth knowledge of all key processes, and became one of the specialists with the most comprehensive understanding of the company's operations.

Today, Luca is responsible for the maintenance of the rolling mill — the most important area of the plant. Thanks to improvements in the maintenance system, the number of production stoppages of the rolling mill caused by mechanical failures was significantly reduced. Luca participated in the modernisation of the shot-blasting machine, as well as in the refurbishment of the refractory materials of the rolling mill’s reheating furnaces. 

Occupational safety is another equally important area of his work. Throughout the entire period of Luca’s work, not a single accident occurred within his area of responsibility. At the same time, he pays close attention to maintaining order in production and upholding a high standard of workplace organisation.

It is precisely the combination of deep technical knowledge, personal responsibility, and a constant readiness to support production that makes Luca Scapinello one of Metinvest Trametal’s key specialists.

During the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by russia, Luca has supported Ukrainians through volunteer organisations in Italy.