Interview with Michal Ovsjannikov, CEO of 4RAIL | The power of proactive partnerships

Could you begin by providing an overview of the FlixTrain project and 4RAIL’s involvement?

In September 2024, 4RAIL signed a multi-year framework contract with the German company FlixTrain for the overhaul and refurbishment of 115 passenger railcars. This represents a major success in 4RAIL’s expansion plans for the European market. The first phase will be completed in summer 2025. In parallel, the second phase has already started at our plant in České Budějovice and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

How did the collaboration with FlixTrain begin, and what made it a strategic opportunity for 4RAIL?

The collaboration with FlixTrain originated through proactive market research by our Sales Director, David Ovsjannikov. He discovered that in 2020, Flix had completed a similar refurbishment project and identified this as a potential fit for 4RAIL’s capabilities. David reached out to Flix via LinkedIn in April 2024, initiating discussions that led to the first coaches arriving at our South Bohemian facilities by September 2024.

This became a strategic opportunity for 4RAIL as it marked our entry into the German long-distance passenger rail market and showcased our ability to deliver high-quality, large-scale refurbishment work for a major operator in the industry. 

Could you elaborate on the scope of the project?

This project involves a full refurbishment of both the exterior and interior, along with a revision repair to renew the maintenance/revision cycle. Our current contract focuses on two key objectives: restoring coaches that have an expired revision and enhancing passenger comfort and design.

In the first stage of the contract, we completed the first revision, restoring the maintenance cycle after long-term storage of the coaches. However, the second revision is more complex and involves major revisions and overhauls, to meet the German safety standards.  In this project, we are restoring long-out-of-service coaches and bringing them back to full operational condition. Due to the long-term storage of the coaches, numerous defects were found in the key components such as the doors, HVAC systems, and toilets. As 4RAIL has no prior history of repair on these coaches, repairing these mechanical and electrical defects requires intensive repair capabilities from our workers.

The second aspect is the design and comfort of passengers. We refurbished the seats and interior walls based on the FlixTrain design guidelines, replaced carpets, added FlixTrain logos inside and outside the cars, and installed new Wi-Fi network. The painting process was very detailed – grinding the old paint, fixing corrosion, applying multiple layers of paint, and applying an anti-graffiti coating for protection – all to ensure the highest quality standards. Each 4RAIL revised coach will be running with our newly introduced 4RAIL plaque on the entrance stairs.

How is 4RAIL ensuring that the coaches meet the high standards expected by FlixTrain and their passengers?

At 4RAIL, maintaining the high standards set by FlixTrain is our top priority. We achieve this through frequent, clear communication between our teams—including technicians and project management—and the Flix team. Our quality management process involves thorough inspections and rigorous control measures, combining the requirements set by Flix with our own 4RAIL standards. Additionally, we strictly adhere to recognized industry benchmarks such as ECM 4 and ISO 9001 quality standards to ensure every coach meets safety, reliability, and quality expectations.

How would you describe communication between the Flix and 4RAIL teams?

Communication between our teams is open, trusting, and frequent. We engage in daily communication to keep both teams aligned and informed, supported by structured weekly project management meetings. These meetings help us track progress and ensure deadlines are consistently met. It is key to involve team members across all levels, to create an organized and cohesive approach that drives the project forward smoothly.

What sets 4RAIL apart from other refurbishment firms in Europe?

4RAIL stands out because of our combination of deep industry expertise, highly motivated staff, and our size, which allows our clients to have direct and effective communication with management. Unlike larger firms, we work closely alongside our clients throughout the project, adapting flexibly to their specific needs. Our whole-team approach means we get to know our clients personally and involve them in the entire process, fostering collaboration and a tailored service that bigger companies cannot offer as easily.

What role does employee expertise and experience play in successfully delivering this project?

Our team’s expertise and experience are foundational to our success. Every member is highly qualified and trusted to do their part. We blend seasoned experts—some of whom have been with 4RAIL since its founding in 2012—with young talent, creating a dynamic and knowledgeable workforce. Being active in the rail industry allows us to continuously learn and improve. Since we are a smaller company, employees have real opportunities to suggest improvements and share insights from their past experiences, which enriches the project and strengthens the team.

Were there any unexpected obstacles during the project, and how did the team address them?

While there were challenges like delayed deliveries and the difficulty of sourcing spare parts for older, second-hand coaches, our team’s flexibility and problem-solving abilities ensured we stayed on track. Without full historical data on these coaches, a significant amount of diagnostic work was required to identify and fix issues, showcasing the technical skill of our electricians and project managers. Rather than focusing on the obstacles themselves, what matters is how our team adapted quickly and effectively to keep the project moving forward.

What has this project taught you as a CEO about the industry or leadership?

This project has reinforced the importance of staying up to date with industry trends and maintaining flexibility in leadership. The rail sector is constantly evolving, and leading effectively means being able to adapt under changing circumstances while guiding the team confidently through challenges.

How do you personally motivate your team to maintain high performance under tight deadlines and pressure?

During tight deadlines, I emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration. By encouraging the team to share knowledge and problem-solve together, we build morale and a sense of shared purpose. Key team members are motivated by seeing the direct impact of their work and knowing their ideas are valued. Giving everyone a voice ensures they feel personally connected to the project’s success.

What are you most proud of when it comes to this project?

I’m proud to see the bright green FlixTrain coaches at our factory, a visible symbol of our partnership and expertise. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch our team’s skills shine through and to see 4RAIL expand its capacity to deliver high-quality results. It means a lot to witness our team step up and excel on this project. This is a significant part of our story and marks a major step in establishing ourselves in the German and broader European market. I’m also proud that we can be part of Flix’s growth story and support them in reaching their goals.

How does this high-profile contract position 4RAIL within the European rail sector?

This contract clearly positions 4RAIL as a serious competitor in the European refurbishment market. It demonstrates our ability to successfully manage and deliver large-scale, high-volume projects, reinforcing our reputation for quality and reliability. It also highlights our international reach and multilingual team, proficient in German, English, and Czech, enabling seamless communication across borders.

Looking beyond FlixTrain, what are your strategic goals for 4RAIL in the next 3–5 years?

Our strategic goals include further expanding our factory and entering new markets. We plan to invest in advanced capabilities to meet the demands of both public and private sectors across Europe. Given our location, Austria is a natural next step, and from there, we aim to broaden our reach throughout Europe, continuously growing and adapting to industry needs. We would also like to expand to Italy, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Belgium.