At Primetals Technologies, we believe that innovation is driven by people – by their stories, their passions, and their relentless curiosity. In our latest Steel Talks series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Igor Mikrukow, Head of Mechanical Engineering at Primetals Germany, whose career is a testament to the power of teamwork and forward-thinking leadership.
Igor’s journey began in 2011 as a working student in Legelshurst, Germany. With a background in mechanical engineering and experience across both the manufacturing and automotive sectors, he quickly rose through the ranks—first as a design engineer, then as a project lead, and ultimately taking responsibility for the entire mechanical engineering department. Today, Igor oversees electric steelmaking and secondary metallurgy, guiding a diverse and talented team through some of the industry’s most complex challenges. Host Art Balenok sat down with Igor for an interview in Linz, Austria.
Art Balenok: Welcome, Igor! How are you doing?
Igor Mikrukow: Hi Art, thanks for the invitation. I’m good, happy to be here again. I visit Linz regularly – it’s a great place.
Balenok: How often do you come here?
Mikrukow: It depends on business needs, but on average, at least twice a year.
Balenok: It’s my second time seeing you this year, so I guess you’ll be back again soon! Speaking of business, what trends are you seeing in the industry? What’s driving change?
Mikrukow: Since I’m involved in electric steelmaking, there’s a lot happening – especially around the green steel philosophy. In mechanical engineering, digitalization and artificial intelligence are big trends. There’s always something new to tackle.
Balenok: For anyone who doesn’t know you (they should!), what’s your title and what do you do in Legelshurst?
Mikrukow: I started in 2011 as a working student. After graduating, I worked as a design engineer, then became a project and lead engineer, handling mechanical projects. In 2017, I took over the design team for vacuum technology, which was a big step for me, both technically and from a business standpoint. Now, I’m responsible for all mechanical engineering at Legelshurst, covering electric steelmaking and secondary metallurgy. It’s complex work – mechanical design, fluid design, layout, the whole package. I joke that I’m not an engineer anymore, but a resource manager! But I still have one foot in mechanics and engineering.
Balenok: You manage a large, successful team, right?
Mikrukow: Yes, and I’m lucky to have such a great team. Everyone takes responsibility seriously and works independently. Sometimes they need support, but we handle decisions as a team. Leading a big team was a challenge at first, but their motivation drives me, and I hope I give that positive energy back.
Balenok: So, your leadership style is about positivity and motivating people?
Mikrukow: Yes, that’s my approach. I’m always developing my leadership style.
Balenok: What’s your proudest moment as a leader?
Mikrukow: There are many moments that make me proud. One thing I enjoy now is sharing my experience with younger colleagues – I’ve become a bit of a coach, even if I don’t call myself a mentor. I just like to give good advice.
Balenok: What first attracted you to the metals industry?
Mikrukow: First, I still feel young! My path to Primetals was long – I applied several times and worked in smaller companies, including quality departments and R&D in the automotive sector. But I always wanted to build something big, and the steel industry is the best place for that. Even as a student, I knew about the company close to my home city that made huge furnaces. I wanted to be part of something big – literally!
Balenok: And what’s your passion?
Mikrukow: Passion for steel!
Balenok: What do you enjoy most about leading your department?
Mikrukow: Working with people – supporting each other, finding technical solutions, and celebrating successes together. It’s about enjoying every day with my team.
Balenok: How do you support the growth and visibility of women in your team?
Mikrukow: We have a lot of professional women – about 35%, maybe more. It’s a great mix, and it makes the atmosphere more comfortable and creative. Different perspectives help us work better and plan resources flexibly.
Balenok: Back to industry trends – how does Primetals Germany contribute to sustainability and green steel?
Mikrukow: The industry is transitioning, and electric steelmaking is becoming more important. Our customers face big challenges reorganizing their production, and we support them – not just with equipment, but with know-how and engineering for these transition projects. We’re market leaders in big furnaces and vacuum degassers, with strong competence in both technology and mechanical engineering.
Balenok: Let’s finish with some personal questions. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Mikrukow: Definitely with my family. I travel a lot for work, so weekends are for my wife and daughter. We love to travel or go swimming together.
Balenok: Tea or coffee?
Mikrukow: Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon – black, no sugar.
Balenok: Any unusual hobbies?
Mikrukow: My wife says I need a real hobby! I started sailing a few years ago, mostly on lakes, but now my focus is on family. Water relaxes me – I used to swim a lot during my studies. Maybe one day I’ll take my daughter sailing.
Balenok: That’s brilliant. Thanks, Igor, for this insightful conversation. We’ve covered so much – from industry trends to leadership, family, and hobbies. Thanks for being part of Primetals!
Mikrukow: Thank you!
Conclusion
Central to Igor’s philosophy is the importance of positive leadership. “Motivation is a two-way street,” he says. “I’m energized by my team’s drive, and I strive to pass that energy back.” His collaborative approach means every team member is empowered to take responsibility and contribute to shared success. Under his guidance, the department has also become a model for diversity, with women making up more than a third of the engineering team, fostering a creative and supportive environment.
Sustainability is at the core of Primetals Technologies’ mission, and Igor is at the forefront of this transformation. He describes the industry’s shift toward green steel and electric steelmaking as both a challenge and an opportunity. “It’s not just about replacing equipment – it’s about reimagining production, sharing know-how, and supporting our customers every step of the way.” With decades of experience and a full portfolio of advanced solutions, Primetals Germany remains a trusted partner in the transition to a cleaner, more efficient steel industry.
Outside of work, Igor is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending weekends with his wife and daughter – often by the water, whether swimming or sailing. For him, relaxation and inspiration go hand in hand.
Igor’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to building not just better steel, but a better future. At Primetals Technologies, we are proud to have leaders like Igor guiding our journey toward innovation and sustainability.
