People of Terra-Pack Co. Import manager

                                      We launch project called People of Terra-Pack Co.

Its aim is to tell a story of people who, in the difficult realities of present time, create  the  future of Terra-Pack Co. on a daily basis.

Today we are talking about Iryna Hrem. Iryna works as an import manager.

“I have been working for the company since March 2017. What was interesting for me was that you had to know English here. I decided to take a chance and try it. It so happened that I was here until now and I like my job.

My duties include the purchase of raw materials and goods on foreign markets and the organization of transportation to Ukraine, including supervision of customs clearance.

After the war had started, my work changed rapidly. It was total chaos at first. Ukrainian ports closed. We had to redevelop almost all supply routes. We were considering how to build logistics chains in a new way. The question came up: which neighboring country should we import raw materials through – Romania, Poland or Turkey.  As of the beginning of war, a significant number of containers with raw materials were on their way to Ukraine.

Each container needed a separate solution on how to deliver it to Ukraine, which entailed a huge number of problems. I gained unique experience of working in conditions of uncertainty. At that time, I felt anxiety and lots of stress. One source of stress was the war and another was the uncertainty, the force majeure connected with containers transportation. Many people helped to cope with the pressure – colleagues from Terra-Pack Co. and my relatives. I did not feel I was alone with those problems, I felt support. At any moment, I could turn to Vitaly, my chief. We discussed each problem, consulted each other and made decision on every next step.

During that time, I was working from early mornings till late evenings. My husband supported me at home. My little son was happy when I had some free time to spend with him on weekends. We were cooking, playing and walking. In summer, we were riding bicycles every evening to release internal tension.

We managed to get our work in order only in August. From March to July, we had been bringing out all containers that had been on their way before war outbreak. There was no understanding of how to redirect them to other ports and deliver to Ukraine. This period was difficult. At every stage, we faced problems that required immediate solutions and learning new issues.

Starting from August, we completely refocused on transit through Poland. Meanwhile, the flow of Ukrainian containers in ports decreased. The situation more or less stabilized.

I think that Terra-Pack Co. wouldn’t hire me now since company prefers to employ trained specialists. In 2017, I got into the company thanks to my knowledge of the English language. Rostyslav Mykhailovych was ready to teach me everything. In this regard, I doubt that another company would agree to hire me with no experience and invest their time and effort in training before I start working on my own.

From the moment I joined company to the moment I arranged my first delivery independently, 6 months passed. What I like about Terra-Pack Co. is the loyal attitude of management, the ability to ask for leave when needed since I have a small child. I can complete my work remotely in this case.

The fact that fascinates me the most in Terra-Pack Co. is that no matter the difficulties, we always find a way out. I wish Terra-Pack not only to overcome tough times, but also to firmly establish itself in a leadership position”.

Read more about the history of the Terra-Pack Co.