In an era where the phase-out of internal combustion engines is being debated, and roadways are overcrowded beyond their capacity, trains offer a secure, speedy, and eco-friendly travel alternative. Daniel Podola has joined the engineering company WASHINA Rail with the goal of expanding Czech rail technology throughout Europe.
Daniel Podola took up the position of Managing Director at WASHINA engineering in April 2025. The company quickly saw changes with his arrival, as a brand new division called WASHINA Rail was established. This division integrates trains, precision engineering, and automation.
You have been the Executive Director of WASHINA engineering for two months now. What were your initial actions within the company?
WASHINA engineering is a Czech company with a longstanding history in mechanical engineering. After I joined, we created the WASHINA Rail division, which specialises in servicing train bogies. My current objective is to position us as a leading supplier not only within the Czech Republic but also across Europe. I believe we are making good progress in achieving this. At present, a company from the Netherlands has shown interest in two of our technologies for repairing train bogies.
How do you see the link between business and sustainability?
Businesses should consider not only their manufacturing processes but also how they handle the waste they produce, an aspect often overlooked today. To address this, we are planning to launch a new division focused on developing recycling lines and recycling the waste generated by companies during production or export.
What gave you the idea to process industrial waste?
We have observed that many companies dispose of waste, viewing it as useless and sending it to landfills or incinerators. We considered a different approach – what if waste could have additional value? This led us to collaborate with the Czech company Upcycling Group. In March, they shipped a production line to California capable of transforming environmentally challenging composite packaging, like Tetra Pak milk containers, into building panels. I am delighted that we have two upcoming projects with the Upcycling Group, which aim to make companies more sustainable.
So innovation has the green light here…
Since 2019, the company has also concentrated on researching and developing new technologies. This extends beyond the railway sector. We are also engaged in projects involving medical robotics and industrial automation. Merging traditional engineering with innovation reflects what I believe a 21st-century technology company should embody.
How do you use automation in production?
Where it is practical, we employ semi-automated systems or robots. We create specialised pressing machines and robotic stations for plastic welding. With our third-generation measuring press, the Olomouc railway depot has been able to double the speed of servicing bogies. Recently, in May, we received a grant from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic to develop a fourth-generation measuring press for testing, diagnosing, and adjusting the bogies and axles of railway and rail vehicles. We are very pleased about this development.
What is your focus in production?
Production should be streamlined to the greatest extent, ensuring the highest quality for the final product. We do not focus on largescale production or small components. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive solution that simplifies labour-intensive tasks. This includes everything from development and production to assembly and installation at the client’s site. It is also important to note that we have obtained European ECWRV and Siemens Mobility certifications, which provide us access to customers throughout Europe.
You also mentioned the health sector. Can you elaborate on that?
Indeed, we are integrating robotics with assistive care technologies. We develop intelligent robots to aid the elderly and individuals with disabilities. For instance, our ROBOCARECHAIR robot is capable of lifting a person from bed to a standing position. Currently, we are developing another robot prototype that focuses on rehabilitating lower limbs. We have also had a longstanding partnership with manufacturers like Gambro for dialysis machines, Smiths Medical for medical devices, and Olympus Přerov for medical equipment.
Thank you for the interview.
