"The most important resource for success are the people"
Bulgaria | Thursday, April 18, 2024
Lukan Gerov is one of those people who have seen with their own eyes how our plant has developed over the years. He not only watched, but also actively participated in all these processes. He grew up in the company and the company grew up with him.
He started his career at the factory in 1990, in the old Electrolysis production as a worker - apprentice. Lukan shares how in the very beginning they worked with old technologies and needed many improvements.
The privatization of the plant in 1997 found him already a responsible and growing youth, with a brigade of 20 men under his supervision and responsibilities for production maintenance. Changes in the organization then happened very dynamically and shifted him from maintenance into technology.
In 2008, Lukan was a member of the team that commissioned the new Refinery, built using Australian technology according to the best available technques in the world. A lot of copper has passed through his hands and countless valuable experiences - through his heart for the past 34 years.
Very soon, the “groundbreaking" of the expansion of our Refinery is coming - a project that costs millions and that will increase production capacity and make us even more high tech.
“The most important resources for the success, however, are the people” - that’s what Lukan believes in, and we believe with him. And when people who have the same values and follow a common goal come together in one place, amazing things happen.
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Tell us about yourself...
My name is Lukan Gerov, I am 56 years old and I live in the village of Chavdar. Married with two grown children aged 32 and 26. I graduated in Chemical Technology and Metallurgical University - Sofia majoring in “ Metallurgy of non-ferrous metals”. -
Describe yourself in three words?
Loyal, creative, positive. -
What did you dream about when you were a child and what did you want to become when you grow up?
My childhood was spent in the era of the so-called “developed socialism” - a denied era, but at school we learned patriotism. Many of my classmates graduated from Higher Military Universities. I was no exception. I applied to Dolna Mitropolia Military Air School. There were thousands of candidates, and only 27 people were flying graduates. A unique experience, but it wasn’t my calling.
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How and when did your career at Aurubis Bulgaria start?
In the years between 1985 and 1988, when I had to navigate professionally, I didn’t have many options. At the time, a young man aged 18-20 did not even think about education or work abroad. Many things have changed since then, but both 35 years ago and now, the mining factories and the copper plants were working and enabling professional realization. So naturally I turned to metallurgy. -
What is your current role in the company and what brings you the greatest satisfaction?
I am currently Head of section at the Refinery with one of the latest cathode copper production technologies. If I had to briefly describe what happened from MDK 1990 to Aurubis 2024, I would say - a completely transformed plant. My satisfaction comes from being part of a team that drives the change process. I am satisfied when in one project or another I recognize my own handwriting. Projects for the development and improvement of people, processes, equipment in Aurubis are abundant and are like gifts for anyone who wants to be conceptual and creative. Production expansion is underway at Refinery, a project with so many challenges, but I feel calm and confident that this will be a successful venture. -
What kind of person are you and what do you like doing outside Aurubis Bulgaria?
Beekeeping and sports. Bees are unique creatures that built a true democracy millions of years ago without laziness and corruption. We can only learn from them. More and more young people are interested in that field, and I am very happy about it. Apart from my passion for the bees, I keep myself informed what is happening in the world of sports. I am proud of the achievements of the Bulgarian athletes, I respect their efforts and the persistence they have. In life in one form or another you must be an athlete – spirit, zest, discipline and responsibility are always needed.
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How do you see your future in the company and beyond? What do you dream of?
I still have a few years ahead of me until retirement - a Refinery with expanded capacity and new machinery and equipment will be a really good finish. And then, my dreams are about spending more time with my family. -
What would you say to your future self?
Find time to rest. -
What would you say to your colleagues at Aurubis Bulgaria?
Not everything in these 34 years of professional career has been wonderful. Back in time I've experienced moments with injured colleagues, then it's hard on your soul. The company's efforts over the years to create conditions for a safe working environment are visible today, but safety is primarily a personal responsibility. So my message to colleagues would be - work wisely, assess the risks, and come home to your families healthy every day.
Will you be our new colleague? There's still a spot open for you in one of our departments!
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Yanka Zaharieva – Koleva
Manager Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding
