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Alexey AstahovRussian metallurgist, director of the Taganrog Metallurgical Plant from 1943 to 1957
Date of Birth: 01.01.1904
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Employment
- Career at the Taganrog Metallurgical Plant
- Director of Nikopol South Tube Plant
- Evacuation and Leadership during World War II
- Reconstruction and Modernization of the Taganrog Plant
- Social Contributions
- Post-Plant Leadership and Recognition
- Honors and Legacy
- Death and Remembrance
Early Life and Education
Алексей Михайлович Астахов, a renowned Russian metallurgist, was born on December 19, 1903 (January 1, 1904 by the new calendar) in the village of Starobeshevo, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. Son of a blacksmith, young Alexey attended a church school from 1911 to 1914 and a zemstvo school from 1914 to 1915. After enrolling in a higher elementary school, the loss of his father in 1915 and mother in 1919 forced him to abandon his studies.
Early Employment
From 1919 onwards, Alexey worked as a farm laborer in his home village. Between 1921 and 1928, he held positions in communication offices in Ilovaiskaya and Taganrog. Joining the Communist Party in 1929, he went on to pursue a degree in Rolling at the Leningrad Metallurgical Institute, graduating in 1933.
Career at the Taganrog Metallurgical Plant
Upon his return to Taganrog, A.M. Atakhov began his career at the Andreev Metallurgical Plant. He rose through the ranks from equipment engineer to shift manager and eventually became superintendent of the Tube Shop No. 2. In 1938-1939, he served as the Deputy Director of the plant.
Director of Nikopol South Tube Plant
In January 1939, Atakhov was appointed Director of the Nikopol South Tube Metallurgical Plant in Ukraine. Recognized for his exceptional leadership, he received the Order of the Red Banner of Labor from Mikhail Kalinin in Moscow for his contribution to production.
Evacuation and Leadership during World War II
During the challenging times of World War II, Atakhov skillfully oversaw the evacuation of the Nikopol plant to Pervouralsk (Pervouralsky New Pipe Plant) in August 1941. Subsequently, he headed the tube plant in Kemerovo, held the position of Deputy Director at the Vyksa Metallurgical Plant, and managed the Moscow Fastener Plant.
Reconstruction and Modernization of the Taganrog Plant
Following the liberation of Taganrog in September 1943, Atakhov returned as the Director of the Taganrog Metallurgical Plant, serving in this capacity until January 1958. Under his guidance, the plant's production significantly exceeded targets, and reconstructed workshops were swiftly put into operation. Joseph Stalin personally commended the efforts of the Taganrog metallurgists. Atakhov also played a crucial role in the expansion and modernization of the plant, launching a thin sheet mill, utility boilers, and a central compressor station. For the first time in the USSR, the production of alloyed casing pipes for deep drilling was successfully mastered.
Social Contributions
A.M. Atakhov demonstrated a strong commitment to social well-being. During his tenure, he established a vocational school, a factory club, a children's home for orphans of metalworkers, a sports pavilion, and a hospital within the plant premises. Extensive housing construction projects were also undertaken.
Post-Plant Leadership and Recognition
Atakhov's legacy extended beyond the Taganrog plant. He served as Head of the Metallurgical and Chemical Industry Department of the Rostov Economic Council (1958-1962) and Head of the Department of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metallurgy of the North Caucasus Economic Council (1962-1965). His exceptional abilities were recognized through an appointment to the Soviet Trade Representation in Hungary. Continuing his career, he became Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced Training of Management Staff and Specialists (Rostov-on-Don).
Honors and Legacy
A.M. Atakhov received numerous accolades for his contributions to the metallurgical industry. He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and various medals. In recognition of his dedication and achievements, he was designated a Personal Pensioner of National Significance in 1980.
Death and Remembrance
Alexey Atakhov passed away on March 13, 1984, in Rostov-on-Don. He was interred in the "Alley of Glory" at the Nikolaev cemetery in Taganrog. A street in Taganrog bears his name, and a commemorative plaque is installed at his former workplace. His legacy as a visionary leader and dedicated metallurgist continues to inspire future generations.
