«I enjoy revitalizing equipment»

Deputy Technical Director for maintenance

How did your journey to UKRGRAFIT begin?

Quite early. While I was still a student, I took on a part-time job here in the security service, balancing work and studies simultaneously. After completing my diploma, I transitioned from the security role to shop No. 11. A mouthpiece repair area was set up there, and I was offered a position as a Grinder Operator. I worked in that role for approximately two years.

It seems you made a significant change in your field of work. How did that come about?

In 2000, the plant received authorization to conduct crane equipment repairs in-house. Consequently, someone for the role of a Сontrol Master in crane repair was needed. I was invited to fill that position. The work was new and intriguing. Additionally, I occasionally had to stand in for the Сhief Welder. This allowed me to gain valuable experience, and about a year later, I was offered the position of Deputy Head of equipment shop No. 4, a role I held until 2007.

How did your career progress from there?

In 2007, there were personnel changes at the plant due to the retirement of the Deputy Technical Director, leading to a vacancy for the Head of the centralized repair shop for the main technological equipment (shop No. 21). I was offered the opportunity to lead this workshop, and I enthusiastically embraced the new challenge. Shop No. 21 is one of the largest workshops at the company, not only in terms of size and the number of employees but also in terms of the diverse business areas it covers. It encompasses electrical, energy, mechanical, and construction aspects.

Managing a workshop of such scale indeed presents its challenges. Have you gained substantial experience?

Absolutely. After four years of leading workshop No. 21, I was promoted to the position of Head of the Equipment Repair Department. Then, in 2016, I was offered the role of Deputy Technical Director for Maintenance of Fixed Assets, a position I currently hold. However, in 2018, I temporarily returned to managing equipment repairs. This was due to the arrival of many new young specialists who needed assistance in organizing their work.

What motivates you to progress within UKRGRAFIT?

I have always had a strong passion for my work. Its essence has always been about equipment repair. Previously, I performed the repairs myself, and now I organize the work. However, the fundamental purpose remains the same — to constantly identify and address issues, revive complex machinery, and ensure its smooth operation without any disruptions.

If you were to compare, which do you prefer — working with your own hands or organizing others?

It’s challenging to say for certain. The two are interconnected. Without knowing how to perform manual work effectively, it’s difficult to organize such tasks. I am grateful for the experience I gained and for actively participating in equipment repairs. This experience and knowledge continue to support my professional development and growth.

Throughout your years of work, have there been situations where you had to demonstrate real engineering ingenuity?

Certainly, there have been many intriguing tasks that required a creative approach. Particularly memorable are the instances when I had to devise novel solutions, something that had never been done before. Let me share an almost anecdotal incident. Around 15 years ago, we experienced an extremely cold winter. One day, when we arrived at work, we discovered that due to abnormal frost and a snowstorm, all the cranes in the graphitization shop were completely covered in ice. Icicles hung from the mechanisms, rendering them immobile and paralyzing the entire workshop. Production was on the verge of coming to a halt.

It was an urgent situation, demanding a swift resolution, but the solution wasn’t apparent. However, while entering the Senior Master’s office, I noticed a bag of salt reserved for water saturators in the corner. A decision seemingly presented itself. We swiftly began sprinkling salt on the mechanisms and turning on the taps… Before long, the workshop was fully operational again.

Do you also solve extraordinary tasks in your leisure time?

In my leisure time, I tend to focus more on sports. I have always been involved in sports throughout my life. I even attended a football school when I was a child, and football remains one of my main hobbies. However, I don’t play as frequently now due to old injuries that occasionally bother me. Instead, I enjoy attending matches at the stadium or watching them on TV. We also have a group of like-minded individuals at UKRGRAFIT, and we organize trips to iconic football games such as the Champions League and matches of the Ukrainian national team. Additionally, I make sure to visit our gym at least once a week. Our factory sports complex has several sections, and one that suits me well is basketball.

Would you like your children to work at UKRGRAFIT?

I would certainly like that. At one point, I tried to persuade my eldest daughter to join the plant. She even had an internship here while studying at the university. However, in the end, she chose the path of becoming a teacher. It might still be too early for my youngest daughter, as she is only 14 years old. Nevertheless, she has already become familiar with the company. We have a program here that offers engaging activities to the children of plant employees during the summer holidays. My youngest daughter is eager to experience such a “grown-up” and structured life—waking up in the morning for work, being productive, and of course, earning money through her own efforts. So, I hope that when she turns 16, UKRGRAFIT will become her first job.