Representatives of the third generation of Zinchenko metallurgists, who take great pride in their family, spoke about their history of working at Zaporizhia Refractories.
For the Zinchenko family, Zaporizhia Refractories is far more than simply a workplace. It is a source of strength, where three generations of this distinguished working family have built their careers. Together, nine members of the dynasty have dedicated a combined 216 years of service to the enterprise, and the story continues to this day.
The founder of the dynasty, Mykola Maksymovych Zinchenko, began his career at the plant in 1955. He first worked as a runner in the magnesia products shop, later becoming a press operator in the same department and subsequently a fitter there as well. He left behind not only extensive professional experience, but also the deep respect of his colleagues. In 1987, he retired, passing the baton on to the next generations.
In 1955, Mykola Zinchenko’s wife, Oleksandra Vasylivna Zinchenko, also joined the enterprise. She began her career as a runner and later became a batching operator in the magnesia products shop. In total, she dedicated 32 years of service to the plant.
Their children have proudly continued the family tradition.
Their daughter, Liudmyla Mykolaivna Pashkulska, worked first as a timekeeper in the chamotte firing shop before moving to the magnesia products shop as a grinder. In total, she dedicated 36 years to the plant.
Oleksandr Mykolaiovych Zinchenko, the son of Mykola and Oleksandra, worked as an electrician in the chamotte shop for 26 years.
Natalia Zinchenko has dedicated 33 years to the enterprise. Over the years, she has worked as a carriage operator and grinder in the aluminosilicate shop and today serves as a storekeeper in the same department.
Natalia and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s daughters have also become part of the family tradition. Daria Zinchenko worked at Zaporizhia Refractories as an accountant, while Hanna Mishchenko is an economist at the enterprise.
Liudmyla Pashkulska’s daughter, Iryna Pylypenko, joined Zaporizhia Refractories in 2007, taking up a role in the technology and quality management laboratory.
Iryna said: “I was very keen to work where my mother had worked, in the magnesite products shop, because I had heard so many stories about her work and the team there. It made me want to try out in this field and continue our family’s story at the plant. Besides, working alongside your relatives is a special kind of support, with shared values, interests and aspirations.”
Iryna’s brother, Yevhen Pashkulskyi – the grandson of the family’s founders – has been working at the plant since 2000. He has progressed from fitter to shift supervisor of the pressing section. Today, he serves as shift supervisor of the pressing section in the magnesite products shop. His service spans 25 years, but his contribution extends far beyond production alone.
Following the start of the full-scale invasion, Yevhen did not stand aside. He helped reinforce checkpoints, transported sandbags and supported Ukraine’s defence forces. He also provided shelter to a displaced family from the Zaporizhzhia region, who continue to live in his flat to this day. In addition, he organised the production of wood-burning stoves for those in need. Since the outbreak of the full-scale war, the family has also supported the country’s armed forces with food supplies and fundraising efforts for the treatment of wounded servicemen.
The women of the Zinchenko dynasty have prepared meals for the territorial defence forces and armed forces, while also supporting local hospitals and medical facilities by providing bed linen and hygiene supplies. Their care and dedication represent another front line where victory is forged every day.
Of the nine members of the Zinchenko family dynasty, four specialists continue to work at the plant today: Yevhen Pashkulskyi, shift supervisor of the pressing section in the magnesite products shop; Iryna Pylypenko, laboratory technician at the technology and quality management department; Nataliia Zinchenko, storekeeper in the aluminosilicate shop; and Hanna Mishchenko, economist.
The current head of the dynasty, Yevhen Pashkulskyi, is convinced that every member of the Zinchenko family has had the opportunity to prove themselves at the plant, become a skilled professional and worthily carry on the family tradition.
Yevhen PASHKULSKYI said: “For us, Zaporizhia Refractories is not just an enterprise: it is a place that brings our family together. Three generations of our family have worked at this plant, and each of us understands that our role is to work together in harmony so that others can produce coke and steel. We are proud to be part of the past, present and future of our enterprise.”
This year, ahead of Metallurgist and Miner’s Day in Ukraine, the Zinchenko dynasty received Metinvest’s Golden Dynasty award in recognition of their dedication to the profession, conscientious work and volunteer activities.
