How «Golovinski,» a company with over 130 years of history, discovered the magical Volga Blue material and transformed from a small workshop of two partners into a global international business
The year 1840 was pivotal for the Ukrainian stone-processing industry. In this year, the talented Kyiv physician Shirmer made a discovery that changed the course of history — he found rich deposits of Golovinski labradorite. This unique natural stone, renowned for its exceptional strength and stunning aesthetics, quickly gained popularity among architects and designers. The discovery of Golovinski labradorite became a significant event, laying the foundation for the development of the stone-processing industry in Ukraine and contributing to the creation of the Golovinski company. This stone became a symbol of craftsmanship, quality, and elegance, adorning the most prestigious architectural projects worldwide.
In 1894, a landmark event for the Ukrainian stone-processing industry took place — the founding of the Golovinski company. This company was created through the joint efforts of Mykhailo Salis, known for his entrepreneurial activities, and the landowner Dushynsky. From a small workshop, they established the largest and oldest stone-processing enterprise in Ukraine. With the support of Karl Kaus and his son, the company began industrial development of decorative and facing stone from the Golovinski and Slipchytski deposits.
The company «Dushynsky and Salis» became a pioneer in labradorite extraction, laying a solid foundation for further development. This is a story about a passion for craftsmanship and innovation, which transformed Golovinski into a symbol of excellence and quality in the world of stone processing.
The year 1896 witnessed another important step in the development of the Golovinski company — the construction of a stone processing factory in the village of Golovino. This factory significantly increased production volumes and improved product quality, strengthening the company’s position in the market. Thanks to new technologies and equipment, Golovinski was able to ensure uninterrupted supply of high-quality labradorite, meeting the growing demand for this unique stone. This marked the beginning of a new era for the company, allowing it to expand and reach new heights in the production of decorative facing materials.
In 1902, the Golovinski company made a significant leap forward by opening its first quarry for extracting the invaluable Volga Blue labradorite. This strategic decision allowed the company to ensure continuous and comprehensive quality control of the extracted stone at all stages — from initial extraction to the finished masterpiece. Owning the quarry opened limitless opportunities for Golovinski to implement the highest quality standards and conduct pioneering experiments with advanced methods of stone extraction and processing.
This epochal step not only greatly strengthened the company’s market position but also elevated its reputation to new heights, establishing Golovinski as the indisputable leader in the extraction of elite natural materials that captivate with their unparalleled beauty and impressive durability.
In 1911, the Golovinski company undertook an important infrastructure project — the construction of the Zhytomyr — Korosten railway. This railway became a key element that significantly improved logistics and transportation of the extracted stone. Thanks to the new railway, the company was able to increase production volumes and expand markets for its products, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of labradorite to the farthest corners of the world. This enabled Golovinski to strengthen its position in the international market and ensure sustainable growth in the future.
After World War I, the Golovinski company began large-scale restoration and development of its production facilities. In 1930, the Golovinski Quarry Management was established, becoming the key management body for the extraction and processing of stone. Simultaneously, a school for youth apprentices (SHUM) was opened, where young specialists were trained in the art of stone cutting, passing on knowledge and skills in working with labradorite.
Between 1931 and 1933, the Volyn Party of the Ukrainian Geological Administration conducted the first geological survey of the deposit, confirming significant labradorite reserves. This research laid the foundation for the company’s further development, promoting the introduction of innovative methods for extracting and processing stone.
 ?>/img/slider/slider-image-6.png)
During World War II, fascist occupiers used local labor for labradorite extraction. This tragic period did not break the company’s spirit, and after the war ended, from 1945 to 1948, the enterprise was restored with renewed strength. The Slipchytski and Golovinski quarries resumed operations, ensuring uninterrupted supply of high-quality stone to the market. These years became a symbol of the company’s resilience and tenacity, overcoming the hardships of war and restoring its market positions.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Golovinski company continued detailed exploration and re-exploration of the deposit, which significantly improved the quality of stone extraction and processing. Research and revaluation of the Golovinski deposit’s reserves in 1960 opened new opportunities for production expansion and quality improvement. These steps strengthened the company’s market position and ensured its sustainable development in the future.
From 1964 to 1980, the Golovinski company continued to develop actively, introducing new technologies and approaches to stone extraction and processing. Operational exploration and revaluation of reserves in 1980 allowed significant improvements in product quality and increased production volumes. These years marked a period of rapid growth and strengthened the company’s reputation as a leader in the production of elite natural materials.
The period from 1991 to 2019 was a true test for the Golovinski company. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and Ukraine’s gaining independence, the company faced numerous challenges. Incompetent management and corruption significantly deteriorated the state of the enterprise, leading to a complete halt in the operation of the factory and quarries.
However, 2019 marked an important turning point with the successful privatization and sale of the integrated property complex of LLC «Golovinski Granite.» This gave a new impetus for the development and revival of the company. The new owners implemented modern management methods, which allowed the company to resume production and restore its former glory. This period became a symbol of rebirth and a new beginning for Golovinski.
In 2021, LLC «Golovinski Granite» became a member of the Association of Decorative Stone Manufacturers of Ukraine, a significant step in the revival of Golovinski’s activities. This allowed the company to reassert itself in the market and embark on a new phase of development. From this point on, the company could return to its traditions, implementing new technologies and approaches to ensure the highest quality of products.
In 2024, Golovinski celebrates its 130th anniversary, summing up many years of achievements and looking to the future with new ambitions and plans for further development. This jubilee celebration will be a symbol of long-term success, resilience, and craftsmanship of the company, which has passed through numerous trials and maintained its reputation as a leader in the production of elite natural materials. Golovinski continues its ascent to new heights, bringing to life the boldest projects and ensuring its clients the highest quality products.
