Lean Innovation Cup for 1AK-GROUP holding plants
On September 5, 2025, the corporate event Lean Innovation Cup was held at the Vitebsk plant for the production of commercial equipment 4RM Systems.
What is Lean and why is it needed
The Lean methodology is a systematic approach to organizing production aimed at eliminating losses, increasing efficiency and creating value for the client. For the 1AK-GROUP holding, Lean is an internal standard implemented in all divisions: from batteries and retail equipment to mechanical engineering and agricultural machinery.
The exchange of experience between plants allows scaling best practices within the holding, accelerating the implementation of innovations and maintaining a uniform level of quality at all enterprises.
Participants and format
Seven plant teams took part in the Lean Innovation Cup:
4RM Division: 4RM Systems, Freor Refrigeration
Mechanical engineering: Pinsk Experimental Mechanical Plant
Battery division: Fregat, Zubr Energy, Accumulatorny Alliance
Agricultural machinery: Demetra
About 50 guests gathered in Vitebsk to hear practical cases of Lean implementation, ask questions and exchange experiences.
Before the event, a tour of the production facility of 4RM Systems, the host and initiator of the first Lean Innovation Cup for the holding, was held. The tour showed modern automated production and demonstrated how Lean works in practice.
Each team presented their projects in the format of 30-minute reports — a concentrate of quarterly work. The event jury consisted of the holding’s top managers.
Winners and prizes
1st place — 4RM Systems
2nd place — Freor
3rd place — Accumulatorny Alliance
Audience Choice Award — Pinsk OMZ. Speaker Nikita Pytlyak received recognition for the most vivid and emotional presentation.
Atmosphere and impressions
Lean Innovation Cup became a real celebration of professional growth. The hospitality of the host, excellent organization and impeccable adherence to timing were noted by all participants. The guests’ questions showed a high level of involvement, and the speakers’ light intellectual humor created an atmosphere of lively and open communication.
The meaning of Lean Innovation Cup
As Mikhail Gribko, Director of 4RM Systems, noted in his welcoming speech:
«Lean Innovation Cup is a unique event. Here we saw real cases of Lean implementation, got the opportunity to adopt successful experience of colleagues, were inspired to new achievements and established new professional connections for future cooperation. Each presentation is the result of a quarter of hard work of teams and ready-made solutions that are already benefiting our Holding 1AK-GROUP.»
Results of the I Lean Innovation Cup
The Lean methodology is firmly embedded in the corporate and production culture of 1AK-GROUP. It helps to scale knowledge, strengthen standards and develop internal competencies. Each new exchange of experience turns into a step towards higher efficiency and the formation of uniform standards for the holding’s work.