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Valeriy SaikinHonored Machine Builder of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Committee on Insolvency (Enterprises) of the Government of Moscow.
Date of Birth: 03.08.1937
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Education and Athletics
- Rise at ZIL
- Technological Advancements
- - Automated molding lines
- - A unique line for hot stamping crankshafts
- Leadership at ZIL
- "Diselization" of ZIL
- Political Career
- Moscow Urban Development
- Return to ZIL
- Market Transitions
- Economic Recovery
- Transportation Initiatives
- Awards and Honors
- - Order of Lenin (1986)
Early Life and Career
Born in 1937 on the outskirts of Moscow in the village of Kozhuhovo, Valery Timofeevich Saykin's family faced significant adversity after his father's passing at the front lines. Raised by his mother, Tatiana Sergeevna Saykin, along with five siblings, Valery demonstrated an unwavering determination from a young age to excel and succeed.
Education and Athletics
After completing seven years of formal education, Saykin enrolled at the Auto Mechanical College from 1952 to 1956. During this time, he developed his interest in classical wrestling, becoming the champion of Moscow and earning the prestigious "Master of Sports" silver badge. He also showcased his prowess at the national level, winning the USSR Youth Championship twice.
Rise at ZIL
Saykin commenced his professional career at ZIL's casting shop, where he served as a form and cast operator. His physical strength and dedication caught the attention of superiors, leading to his promotion as the foreman of the precision casting section and later the senior metallurgist-technologist of the casting shop.
To further his knowledge, Saykin graduated from the All-Union Correspondence Mechanical Engineering Institute in 1964 with a specialization in "machines and technology for casting production." His ensuing leadership at ZIL as head of the grey iron technical department and later chief metallurgist marked a period of innovative accomplishment.
Technological Advancements
Saykin played a pivotal role in developing numerous technological processes that optimized production, quality, energy efficiency, and material and labor inputs. These included:
- Automated molding lines
- New forging processes- Multi-stage chemical-thermal treatment aggregates
- Advanced hot stamping complexes with automated billet heating and multi-position stamping lines
- A unique line for hot stamping crankshafts
For his contributions to the technology of casting iron, Saykin received the prestigious State Prize of the USSR.
Leadership at ZIL
As deputy chief engineer from 1971, Saykin oversaw ZIL's metalworking operations, implementing transformative advancements in the press and body production lines that remain key assets in the automotive industry. He also managed the development of new subsidiary plants and the modernization of core facilities.
"Diselization" of ZIL
Facing the need to modernize the ZIL-130 truck, Saykin played a crucial role in its "dieselization," transitioning it from a gasoline-powered to a more fuel-efficient diesel engine. As first deputy director and later general director of ZIL, he led the construction of new production facilities and a dedicated plant in Yartsevo for the production of diesel engines and castings.
Political Career
Saykin's visit from Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986 marked a significant turning point in his career. He was elected as the Chairman of the Moscow City Council and became responsible for overseeing a vast urban landscape that had its own municipal facilities and industrial enterprises.
Saykin's managerial style, influenced by his experience at ZIL, prioritized thorough examination of major issues, hands-on assessment of situations, clear task scheduling, and accountability at all levels. He successfully reduced the influence of federal ministries over local affairs.
Moscow Urban Development
Under Saykin's leadership, Moscow witnessed significant progress in housing, healthcare, retail, and cultural institutions. He also oversaw modernization of the city's construction industry, enabling increased construction and renovation activity.
Return to ZIL
After concluding his term as Moscow City Council Chairman in 1990, Saykin held several positions in federal agencies, including the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR and the State Committee for Machine Building. However, he returned to ZIL in 1991 as chief engineer and subsequently regained the role of general director.
Market Transitions
Facing challenges from privatization and commercial interests, Saykin led efforts to preserve ZIL's operations. He organized the development of modular vehicle designs based on existing components, leading to the successful production of a popular light-duty truck known as the "Bulldog." He also promoted the creation of modern military all-terrain vehicles and auxiliary equipment.
Economic Recovery
Saykin's determination to safeguard ZIL extended to his subsequent appointment as Chairman of the Moscow Committee for Bankruptcy. In this role, he emphasized enterprise rehabilitation, economic reform in industrial production, and the preservation of Moscow's scientific and industrial capacities.
Transportation Initiatives
As vice-president of the Russian Academy of Transport, Saykin spearheaded the development of the "Transport of Russia" program, which earned him the I.A. Likhachev Prize. He also successfully defended his doctoral dissertation on transportation, receiving the degree of "Doctor of Transport."
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Saykin has received numerous awards and honors, including:
- Order of Lenin (1986)
- Order of the October Revolution (1981)- Order of the Red Banner of Labor (1971)
- Order of Friendship of Peoples (1993)
- Honored Mechanical Engineer of the Russian Federation (1994)
Personal Interests
Saykin remains an ardent advocate of physical culture and sport. He promotes a healthy lifestyle and limits himself from excesses. He enjoys animal breeding, especially pigeons, and shares a special bond with his granddaughter, Julia. His hobbies include fishing and gardening.
