Metinvest Group's Zaporizhcoke is celebrating its 91st anniversary since its founding.

Given the state of martial law, Zaporizhcoke refused to hold mass gathering event in order not to expose its employees to danger. Workers are marking the company's anniversary at their workplaces – by the coke oven batteries, at control panels operating machinery and equipment, in laboratories and workshops. Through their work on both regular days and holidays, they strengthen the country's economy and bring closer the most desired event – victory and a just peace in Ukraine.

At the coke battery No. 6, we meet a door operator Yevhen Zinendinov. He maintains the coking chamber doors and coke ejector mechanisms, monitoring their proper operation together with coke oven service machine operator Oleksandr Makarov.

"The company's anniversary is certainly important, but we are now focused on what matters most: ensuring everything works stably and properly under these difficult conditions – that raw materials are available, equipment is operational, and we are monitoring workplace safety. We feel responsible for the subsequent production stages and the stable operation of Zaporizhstal, which runs on our coke. It might seem that your individual work is small, but together with others, it contributes to a larger effort that sustains our economy. That is what is most important," says Yevhen ZINENDINOV.

Despite the full-scale war, Zaporizhcoke has been operating steadily, supporting the economy of our country and our hometown. In 2024 alone, the plant produced about 900,000 tonnes of blast furnace coke, which is almost 30% of the total produced coke in Ukraine. Throughout its 91-year history, Zaporizhcoke has produced over 120 million tonnes of coke.

The foundation of the company's stable operation is systematic modernisation of production facilities.

"Despite the crisis, the company systematically upgrades its production facilities, particularly the coke oven batteries. We are currently undertaking an important repair of the coke oven battery No. 2 with an investment of UAH 60 million. For us, carrying out such repairs guarantees stable production, improved product quality, and reduced environmental impact," says coke shop foreman Vitalii BAZARIA.

In total, nearly UAH 324 million have been allocated this year for the major overhaul programmes of production facilities, as well as investment projects in occupational safety, information technology, and social initiatives.

"The full-scale war has affected all areas of our work and life – we have experienced shortages of raw materials and energy resources, significant staffing challenges, the loss of employee-servicemen at the front, and other challenges faced by a Ukrainian city near the front lines. But at the same time, the war has taught us to respond flexibly to these challenges, to be prepared for all possible scenarios, and to find reserves for savings and efficient operations. All this is thanks to our professional and resilient team, their belief in our company, our country, and our future. I am sincerely grateful to the Zaporizhcoke team for this approach. I am confident that no matter how difficult it gets, we will endure and navigate this challenging period with dignity, as befitting the coke chemists of Zaporizhcoke!" notes Oleksandr BEKHTER, Zaporizhcoke's General Director.

This spirit of resilience and optimism is shared by employees currently serving in the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, 163 Zaporizhcoke employees have been mobilised, with 118 still serving today. Thirteen war veterans have returned to their home company after demobilisation. Among them is Mykola Bobal, a coke shop gas operator with 12 years of experience.

"I served for almost a year in a motor rifle battalion of the 53rd Brigade in the Donetsk direction. After demobilisation, I immediately returned to the plant – because I knew they were waiting for me here and, most importantly, valued me as a professional. The team supported me during my service, helped restore my parents' house that was damaged by enemy fire, warmly welcomed me back, and helped me return to work," notes Mykola BOBAL.

The company operates a war veterans reintegration programme, which provides support to mobilised employees during their service, as well as assistance with rehabilitation and treatment upon return when needed, along with retraining and workplace adaptation.

An important component of veteran reintegration is support from colleagues.

"We are one big family with our own difficulties and problems, but also with traditions, pleasant moments, and communication. It does not matter whether you have worked here for a long time or just started – the team is always united because we share common goals and values, common tasks. That is how we hold on – together!" says Tamara STRAKH, a coke sorter in the coke shop.

Despite Zaporizhcoke's respectable age and long history, employees believe in the company's future and make significant efforts to ensure its sustainable operation and improvement. After all, Zaporizhcoke is an important enterprise not only for the well-being of their families but also a key player in supporting the region, a vital link in Ukraine's mining and metals sector and the country as a whole. In 2024, Zaporizhcoke paid almost UAH 530 million in taxes and fees to budgets at all levels.

We join in congratulating the unbreakable Zaporizhcoke team and wish them peaceful work and new professional achievements!