«I find it rewarding to see the results of my work»

Chief Technologist

Tell us, how your journey with UKRGRAFIT began?

Working here runs in the family. My grandfather, grandmother, and mother all had connections to this company. So, it was only natural for me to join during my studies. As a student at the Zaporizhzhya State Engineering Academy, I got the opportunity to sign a contract with Ukrgrafit under a training program for future employees. My first real taste of the company came during my production practice after completing my third year. For a whole month, I worked in shop No. 4, loading graphitization furnaces. It was an eye-opening experience that solidified my connection to the company and made me even more excited about my future here.
So, that’s how my journey with UKRGRAFIT began, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this amazing team!

Did you start working at UKRGRAFIT immediately after completing your studies?

Yes, right after I received my diploma, I began working at UKRGRAFIT in the coal blanks shop as a presser for electrode products. Because of my higher education, I was quickly given the opportunity to train for a position as a replacement foreman. For approximately two years, I filled in for regular supervisors during their vacations and sick days.

Did you then decide to pursue a career in the engineering field?

Yes, I discovered that there was an opening in the technology department and decided to try myself as a process engineer. I successfully passed the interview and enthusiastically delved into studying the technical processes. Initially, I oversaw the operations in my “home” workshop, which was Workshop No. 4. Eventually, I started working with the technological processes of Workshops No. 1 and No. 2. I even had the chance to participate in the launch of a new graphitization building, specifically Section No. 3.

What contributed to your career development?

At UKRGRAFIT, the company implemented a personnel reserve program. I was fortunate to be promoted to the reserve for the Head of the Technology and Development department. Subsequently, I naturally progressed to become the deputy for the newly appointed department head. Finally, in 2021, I was appointed as the Chief Technologist, marking a significant milestone in my career.

Do you enjoy your work?

Absolutely! I find great satisfaction in being directly involved in the production process and witnessing the tangible positive outcomes of my work. I appreciate the fact that I have a certain degree of autonomy and I am encouraged to explore new avenues, develop innovative technologies, and constantly improve our processes. Moreover, I am fortunate to be part of an excellent team with whom I thoroughly enjoy collaborating. The continuous modernization of our production facilities also presents exciting challenges, as it necessitates the mastering of cutting-edge equipment and the refinement of new technical processes. This aspect of my work is both creatively stimulating and intellectually engaging. Importantly, I see a promising future for UKRGRAFIT, as our commitment to development reflects our foresight and vision for long-term success.

What challenges have you encountered?

One of the most ambitious projects I have been involved in, and continue to be a part of, is the establishment of a new graphitization site. Previously, we employed the conventional Acheson process, but now we have transitioned to lengthwise graphitization, which utilizes direct heating of carbon blanks. This change has resulted in a remarkable 40% reduction in energy consumption and the attainment of consistent graphitization temperature throughout the entire product length. Consequently, the characteristics of our products have become more stable. Since 2017, we have been progressively implementing, refining, and optimizing this technology.

Speaking of modernization, what new equipment has impressed you the most?

This year, we acquired a coordinate measuring machine, which can be likened to a large-scale 3D scanner. It enables us to precisely monitor the geometry of our products. Such an approach aligns with the global trend and we are thrilled to be keeping up with the times.

Can you share some of the developments?

Certainly! We are actively engaged in the development of new materials and expanding our product range. At UKRGRAFIT, we maintain a close collaboration with National University “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”. Together with their research team, we continuously strive to enhance our production approaches. Our primary objectives include improving the energy efficiency of our technical processes, enhancing the consumer properties of our products, and reducing their overall cost.

Looking ahead to the future, how do you envision UKRGRAFIT in, let’s say, 10 years?

In the next decade, I genuinely hope that our enterprise will continue its modernization journey at its current, or even accelerated, pace. We have ambitious plans to master the production technology of environmentally friendly cold-rammed carbon paste. In fact, we have already achieved success in creating conditioned products with environmentally-safe binding materials. Now our focus is on implementing this technology into paste production. Additionally, we aim to utilize eco-binders not only for cold ramming paste but also for block electrode products. Furthermore, we have plans to venture into the production of super microporous blocks for blast furnaces, demanded by the global market.

Balancing a busy schedule with personal life is always important. Do you find enough time for your personal life?

Absolutely! When I’m not at work, I prioritize spending quality time with my family. My wife, children, and our adorable dog are the center of my world (smiles). My eldest daughter is a constant source of inspiration for me to stay active and engaged in outdoor activities. She absolutely loves biking, and since she’s just 8 years old, I make sure to join her on bike rides. Skiing is another passion of mine that I hold in high regard. Every winter, I make it a point to take a vacation and head to the mountains, where I can breathe in the fresh air and feel the rush of adrenaline on the slopes.