In the context of the region's industrial development, the visit of Alexander Starukh, the acting Governor, showcases the importance of modernizing production at the Works, emphasizing environmental protection, and addressing social security for workers.
During his visit to the Works, the acting Governor visited three shops, which best characterize the production of steel and the Works as a whole.
In the open-hearth furnace shop, the delegation was met by the Superintendent of the shop, Konstantin Onoda. The guests arrived just in time to witness the tapping of steel. Konstantin Onoda explained the open-hearth furnace production under the rays of sparks and the hot breath of the furnace. Afterward, Alexander Starukh was invited into the depths of the shop to try on the steel maker’s helmet with glasses, allowing him to experience the life of a steel maker.
The second visit was to the pride of the Works — the air separation unit in the oxygen compressor shop. A large group entered the spacious control room. Under the flashes of cameras, the Acting Governor observed the control monitors. The operator explained how the processes of the air separation unit are displayed on the monitor. Following this, the delegation entered the machine room. On his way back, Alexander Starukh peeked into the rest room to inspect the workers' recreation conditions and was satisfied with what he saw.
On the way from the administrative building, the Chief Power Engineer of the Works, Alexander Lykov, shared the plans for Zaporizhstal's future participation in a project aimed at providing industrial heat to the city's regions.
After visiting the 'hottest' shop of the Works, the hot strip mill shop, Alexander Starukh decided to share his impressions.
- This is not my first visit to the Works, — said the Head of the region. — I was here in 2006 when the Works was visited by the President. Zaporizhstal is the face of the region. It is essential that the Works pays great attention to ecological problems. The plant management responds to all production and social problems correctly, adequately, and efficiently.
- How does Zaporizhstal react to the country becoming a member of the WTO? Will it have a positive or negative impact on production?
- Membership in the WTO is a complicated question. One cannot categorically say that metallurgists will benefit from such a decision. Currently, the price of raw materials is very high, and the cost of steel products includes many expenditures. In this situation, we must focus on reducing expenses while maximizing quality, commented Alexander Putnoki on the situation.
After familiarizing himself with the production, Alexander Starukh met with the Chairman of the Board, Vitaliy Antonovich Satskiy, and participated in negotiations with the Works’ management. The discussions focused on determining the course of mutual work in light of world inflation, the global rise in resource prices, and the absence of practical raw material sources at the Works.