RM: What is your company's portfolio?
Michal Ovsjannikov, 4RAIL: We are 4RAIL and our company motto is "Quality, Flexibility, Experience". Flexibility is key for us as we strive to meet the needs of our customers to the maximum extent possible within the standards, technical specifications and our technological capabilities. Our main activity is the repair, modernisation and revitalisation of railway carriages, with a particular focus on the mechanical side. We carry out small and large repairs, including repairs of violent damage. Our services include car body repairs including paintwork, chassis and interior repairs. We can also take care of water, heating and basic electrical repairs. We carry out all these activities in our own extensive premises in České Budějovice, which is strategically located and connected to the main railway station by a siding.
RM: Which markets do you consider key for your company's expansion?
Michal Ovsjannikov, 4RAIL: Our primary focus is on the Czech market, but we also pay great attention to expansion into European markets, especially Germany, Austria, Poland and Slovakia. We consider these regions to be strategically important for the further development of our company.
RM: You are working on a large order for the German company Kübler Heavy Rail. What exactly was the job about and how challenging was it?
Michal Ovsjannikov, 4RAIL: Yes, we are currently completing an order for Kübler Spedition from Germany, specifically the refurbishment and modernisation of two caravans for their employees. This job was a challenge that perfectly demonstrates our flexibility and ability to adapt to the client's needs. In addition to the exterior refurbishment, including new paint and application of advertising stickers, we carried out a complete overhaul of the chassis. Inside, we completely removed the old equipment and replaced it with modern features - new sleeping compartments, kitchen with gas appliances, bathrooms with showers and a fully equipped workshop area.
RM: You have also worked with other major clients such as Die Länderbahn, Die Bayernbahn and Triangula. How did this cooperation work?
Michal Ovsjannikov, 4RAIL: Yes, for Die Länderbahn, for example, we have repaired Siemens Regiosprinters, including challenging cab and headstock repairs, and we continue to work with them on the Alex series. For Die Bayernbahn and Triangula we have carried out chassis revision repairs, application of a new paint system and interior repairs. We have also undertaken more complex projects with Die Bayernbahn, where we have focused on the complete overhaul of the car structure, including the stringers and bodywork, which required the complete dismantling of the interior and blasting of the cars.
RM: You also refurbish special cars. Which ones were the most challenging?
Michal Ovsjannikov, 4RAIL: Special cars include, for example, a project for Kübler or Skanska, where we adapted cars to accommodate their employees. In addition to the usual chassis repairs and the application of paint systems, we focused on making the interior as comfortable as possible so that the employees felt at home. New kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping compartments - we implemented all of this with attention to detail and customer comfort. We were able to fully apply our flexibility and client-orientation to these projects.
RM: How does 4Rail use innovative technology to improve the efficiency and sustainability of freight cars? And how is this different from working with passenger cars?
Michal Ovsjannikov, 4RAIL: We are equipped with modern technologies that allow us to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our repairs. For example, we have built a paint booth, a window bonding booth and an aluminium welding booth, which are technologies widely used in the rail industry. In addition, we have invested in young, talented employees who have quickly adapted to our corporate strategy and, thanks to innovative technologies, continue to move our company forward.
RM: How do you think the development of freight and passenger rail transport will change in the coming years and how is 4Rail preparing for this?
Michal Ovsjannikov, 4RAIL: I believe that the development of rail transport will move towards greater environmental sustainability and improved customer comfort. We have already witnessed the revival of the Czech railway when we participated in the production of 20 RegioPanter units. As a repair-focused company, we are ready to respond to new technologies and a changing market. We are constantly gaining new experience and developing the human potential that is the basis of our success.
