‘Made in Ukraine’ tech on tour   

I recently met a couple of Ukrainian entrepreneurs at a smart sorting event in Aachen, Germany. Their resilience, practical attitude and technological focus were compelling. They made it clear that, despite the ongoing conflict with Russia, ‘the show must go on’.

‘Closing our doors is not an option,’ says matter-of-fact Volodymyr Voloshyn, ceo of Gamayun. ‘We are here to prove that we are still there, seeking new business partners.’ Gamayun specialises in delivering sorting solutions for the mining industry and is eager to branch out, possibly by teaming up with recyclers. ‘We need new opportunities for growth,’ Voloshyn adds.

Seeing his name tag and hearing how he deals with almost weekly military attacks, I am both surprised and impressed at his attendance. He tells me, with the help of an industry friend who is a geology professor and fluent in English, that it wasn’t easy getting to Aachen.

It took a two-day train ride riddled with delays across Poland and Germany. The latter was dealing with outbursts of vandalism, which people in the scrap sector know is code for metal theft.

‘A little more stable’

‘It was quite the road trip,’ Voloshyn says with a hearty laugh. Keeping his network updated and brushing up on technological advancements is well worth it, though. ‘I have a crew of 25 people and most have been with me for several decades,’ Voloshyn points out. ‘I am glad to say I haven’t had to lay off anyone in these stressful times. Our workshop is keeping busy. We have a good stream of orders coming in from loyal customers.’

The businessman says the situation in his country is ‘a little more stable’ although it depends where you are. ‘We are only 100km away from the front line. This comes with regular disruptions, some big, some small.’

As with most Ukrainians, Voloshyn has become used to the sound of air raid warnings going off and seeing tanks and soldiers making their way through the city. At least the schools, hospitals and supermarkets are open again. ‘Sometimes it’s almost like life is back to normal.’

Creating opportunities

The economy has bounced back somewhat, too, Voloshyn adds. World Bank data confirms that Ukraine’s economy grew by an estimated 4.8% in 2023, although that followed a sharp contraction of 29.1% the previous year.

Positive factors are said to be improved electricity access, a better harvest, and additional government spending. On top of these, the EU agreed in February to give Ukraine EUR 50 billion.

Voloshyn prides himself on being a hard worker and believes in ‘creating opportunities’. That’s why he wanted to give a speech on Gamayun’s 3D electromagnetic precision ore sorting system at Aachen University.

The equipment has a modular design, available in both a stationary and mobile set-up, and can be assembled in a sea container. The sorter’s effectiveness for minerals with weak magnetic properties leaves the door open to separating fine fractions from shredded metal scrap.

Having a foot in the door would help Voloshyn and his team stay productive and, ultimately, help rebuild Ukraine’s economy.