finds opportunity at Agropur

Mykhaylo “Misha” Mykhaylyuk arrived in the United States in 2002 in search of new challenges and opportunities. Now more than 21 years after bidding farewell to his native Ukraine, it’s clear he’s found both.

Mykhaylyuk has a fulfilling life in Wisconsin with a good career and a close, caring family. He’s glad he pursued a job at Agropur.

“There were a lot of good reviews and I thought it would be a good company to start a career,” he said. “I received a lot of good feedback from others, and I do think I made a good decision.”

Agropur is commemorating its 85th anniversary this year and reflecting on its storied path from a small, local cooperative to one of the world’s largest dairy processors.

Such a tribute wouldn’t be complete without celebrating its 7,350 dedicated employees and 3,000 members. Each day, they bring hard work and a collaborative spirit to Agropur, making rich contributions toward the cooperative’s continued success. 

Mykhaylyuk was working in maintenance for a floral business when he decided to apply to Agropur in 2014. He was brought on as a maintenance technician at the Little Chute, Wis. plant. He’s now the maintenance manager at Agropur’s plant in Luxemburg, Wis.

In his role, Mykhaylyuk is responsible for the safe maintenance and repair of plant equipment, while limiting disruptions to the manufacturing process. Since his promotion to manager, he not only works to ensure machines are working efficiently, but also directs, guides and shares expertise with his team of employees.

He carries a credo that’s simple to understand, yet tougher to practice: Always keep focus on the task at hand. “Work is work, home is home and priorities are priorities,” he said.

Mykhaylyuk is married with two children, ages 11 and 14. His wife is also a native of Ukraine, although they met in the United States. He earned a business degree in his homeland and spent nine months in Portugal before deciding to pursue opportunities on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

“The first year was hardest,” he said. “I came here barely speaking English, and they drop you off in the middle of nowhere.”  

The Luxemburg facility is known for its award-winning mozzarella and provolone cheeses. They also produce high-quality whey protein among other dairy ingredients.

Misha has been a great addition to the Luxemburg management team, said Plant Manager Jim Schuster. The dedication to learning that helped him build a life in America has also contributed to his success at Agropur. “He is excited to come to work every day, and brings a great attitude and high energy level,” Schuster said. 

But he adjusted. It was comforting to settle in a similar climate with four distinct seasons much like Ukraine. Mykhaylyuk also had wonderful support from welcoming people all along the way. He was warmed when Agropur recently offered important assistance in a pressing and stressful family matter.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mykhaylyuk set forth to bring his three younger sisters and their families to the United States. With assistance from Agropur’s US leadership, their cases were put on a fast track. It was no small decision for the families to leave all they knew – even amid the dangers of warfare around them.

“America isn’t for everyone in terms of the culture,” Mykhaylyuk said. “I told them, ‘You can always go back home.’”

The families arrived safely in the fall of 2022 and they’re adjusting well. The language barrier has been the most difficult aspect. Mykhaylyuk is all too familiar with their challenges -- and their opportunities.

Mike Sipple, Agropur Vice President of Manufacturing – US, said Mykhaylyuk continued to bring positivity to the workplace even amid the stressful news from home. “When you think about what he faced in having his family in a war-torn country, his attitude was just amazing,” he said.

For Mykhaylyuk, Agropur has been an extension of the best parts of his American experience. It’s a welcoming workplace that offers room to learn and grow. “There is a good culture,” he said, “and the people are always willing to work with you.”