Thirty years ago, a young graduate of an industrial technical school came to work for Zaporizhzhia Coke plant. Since then, he has never changed his place of work. For Yuriy Ignatenko, an electrician for the repair and maintenance of coke shop equipment, the enterprise became not just the first and only job, but the work of a lifetime.

It was for his professionalism, dedication and significant contribution to the development of production that Yuriy Ignatenko received the highest corporate award – the Metinvest Gold Star – in the year of Metinvest Group's 20th anniversary». This year, it was awarded to 18 employees of the company.

The profession I chose with my heart

The choice of profession for Yuri was natural. His mother and brother worked at the enterprise, so metallurgy was familiar from childhood. At the same time, he himself has always been interested in technology.

–  My choice to become an electrician was determined by two factors –  respect for the hard work of metallurgists and a sincere interest in technology. Metallurgy is the foundation of industry, and the profession of an electrician requires a precise mind and iron discipline. The plant has become my second home, –  says Yuriy Ignatenko.

For three decades, he has become one of those specialists on whom the smooth operation of the coke shop depends. Diagnostics, repair, troubleshooting, prompt restoration of equipment in conditions of increased danger are its daily work, which requires not only knowledge, but also the ability to make quick decisions.

Colleagues recall his professional path.

– In 1996, I remember well how Yuriy Volodymyrovych came to us after the technical school – young, ambitious. Over the years, he has gained vast experience and has become a real role model for our service, –  says Yevhen POTAPENKO, an electrician of the coke shop.

Experience that works for development

Many years of experience help Yuri not only quickly find malfunctions, but also prevent them. He is the author and co-author of dozens of technical solutions that have made the operation of equipment more reliable, safer and more efficient.

With his participation, a soft start system was introduced on the conveyor, which reduced the load on the equipment and increased the reliability of the production process. Another important project was the modernisation of a screening unit.

"My colleagues and I have implemented many both small and large-scale modernization projects. One of them is the renewal of the equipment of the relay start-up system of the coke extinguishing unit, which made it possible to increase its reliability and efficiency," says Yuriy.

The peace that comes with experience

One of the main professional traits of Yuri colleagues call the ability to remain calm even in the most difficult situations.

This was especially evident during a large-scale blackout in February 2025. Together with his colleagues, he restored the work of the electrical equipment of the coke shop, on which the return of the enterprise to the usual production rhythm depended.

Today, Yuriy not only does his job, but also trains young electricians, helping them master the profession. Acting as a foreman, he coordinates the work of the team and willingly shares his experience.

The head of the coke shop Maksym KHILAI says that it is on such workers that production is based.

–  Yuriy is a person you can always count on. He feels the operation of the equipment well and often finds the cause of the failure even before it develops into a serious problem. He is not afraid of complex tasks, quickly navigates non-standard situations, helps colleagues and trains young employees. We are sincerely proud to work together.

Recognition that belongs to the whole team

When Yuri was informed that he had become one of the owners of the Metinvest Golden Star, he did not believe it at first.

– I thought it was a joke. And when I realized that it was true, I was very worried. During the award ceremony, my heart was literally trembling. But I immediately understood: This was not only my merit. This was a recognition of the work of our entire brigade, our whole team.

According to Yuriy, one of the most important stages was the entry of Zaporizhzhia Coke plant into Metinvest Group, which made it possible to modernize production, update equipment and introduce modern technologies.

Today, the company operates in wartime, and each shift requires even more responsibility.

– When I go for a shift, I understand that my work is my personal contribution to the life of the enterprise to continue, for the economy to work and for people to have a job.

Outside of production, Yuriy also helps Ukrainian defenders – he repairs generators and power banks for the military, supports mobilized employees of the enterprise and their families, and joins charitable initiatives.

During his three decades at Zaporizhzhia Coke plant, he has earned a reputation as someone who is trusted with the most difficult tasks. And the highest corporate award was a natural result of years of conscientious work, professional skill and dedication to the cause that he once chose - and remained faithful to it for life.