Zhdanov Azovstal Works

(full name, S. Ordzhonikidze Zhdanov Azovstal’ Works), one of the largest ferrous-metallurgy works in the USSR.

Azovstal’ is located in the city of Zhdanov (formerly Mariupol’), Donetsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR. The enterprise has a complete metallurgical cycle. It is designed to use phosphorite iron ores from the Kerch’ deposits (agglomerate comes from the Kamysh-Burun Combine in Kerch’). Construction of the enterprise began in 1930, and Blast Furnace No. 1 was started up in August 1933. In 1941 the works had four blast furnaces and six tilting open-hearth furnaces; rolled-products shops were under construction. During the fascist German occupation the works did not operate; in late 1943 the fascist aggressors completely destroyed it.

Reconstruction was begun in 1944. In July 1945 one blast furnace was started up; the next came in September 1946, then in 1949 two more were added, and in 1950 two more. A blooming mill and a rail-beam shop, which produces broad-gauge rails, beams, and large channels, began operation in 1948, and in 1949 an agglomerate factory was added. In 1952 a rail fastener shop was put into operation; a coarse-grade rolled-products shop was added in 1953. In 1967 construction of the second phase of the works was begun. From 1966 to 1970 the works’ gross output increased by 25.9 percent. In 1966 it was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.