Ivan Romazan headed Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works from 1985 to 1991. During this difficult time, he carried out a deep reconstruction of the plant, laying the foundation for the future development of not only the enterprise, but also the entire city.
Ivan Romazan went down in history as the People's director - the only MMK head who was awarded such an informal but honorary title. This year marks the 34th anniversary of Ivan Kharitonovich's death. He passed away on July 27, 1991, in his office.
Traditionally, on this day, July 27, the grave of the people's director was visited by the top officials of the city and the plant, MMK employees, colleagues, friends and relatives of Ivan Kharitonovich.
"Magnitogorsk is a city that was built and continues to be built on traditions. Many of which were laid down during the years of Ivan Kharitonovich's work. Under him, the plant, the city, and the people were formed. We were brought up on the principles of the combine, on its strict but fair laws. It is no coincidence that Magnitogorsk is called the "City of Labor Valor" - this is the legacy of that time, which we cherish and preserve. It is important that young people are with us, which means that the traditions that Ivan Kharitonovich created will live on and be passed on to the next generations. I am sure that we are moving exactly where Ivan Kharitonovich aspired," said Sergey Berdnikov, the head of Magnitogorsk.
Pavel Shilyaev, General Director of MMK PJSC, noted Ivan Romazan's contribution to the development of the plant: "Once again, we celebrated Metallurgist's Day. During these days, we summed up the results and made plans. And I would like to say that everything that we reported, including to the president of the country, was built thanks to Ivan Kharitonovich's dreams, his legacy, and his industrial culture."
Irina Lebedeva, the daughter of Ivan Kharitonovich, shared her personal memories: "For me, Ivan Kharitonovich was a father. He was the one who advised, educated, and loved his children and grandchildren. It was only over time that I realized what it means to love the plant and the city. This is when you work not for the sake of a position or reward, but because you cannot do otherwise. When you put your whole soul into a business and want your workplace and your city to become better. I think this is the basis for educating new generations. I really want those who follow us to adopt this idea, this approach to life. To make the city flourish. There is no doubt that the plant will develop. Today we remember Ivan Kharitonovich, and the best memory of him is the unique combine on the left bank, which he dreamed of."
