"A high demand for your product in foreign markets signifies that you're manufacturing something significantly worthwhile."
In the dynamic world of business, innovation and automation are key drivers for success. Ilya Gukhin, the owner of sports equipment brand ESCAPER, has embraced these concepts wholeheartedly, transforming his company into a leader in the sportswear industry.
Gukhin launched ESCAPER 13 years ago, and today, his company supplies around 8,000 units of sportswear to approximately 200 teams every month. His strategic approach to business has earned him recognition as "Best Expert of the Year in Business Process Automation in Production" at the international Cases and Faces 2025 competition.
One of Gukhin's primary focuses has been the optimization of the production chain. By integrating innovative equipment for sewing sportswear and a reporting system for managing business processes, he has been able to reduce the time to produce a single unit by two and a half times. This automation has not only increased productivity but has also practically eliminated errors and defects, decreasing costs by a third.
Gukhin's commitment to digital tools extends beyond production. The enterprise management system of his company is based on a web application that automates sales management, controls production personnel, finds optimal production routes, and plans work considering the distribution of production flow between the company's branches.
The ESCAPER project also focuses on the production of sportswear using smart technologies and eco-friendly materials. Gukhin believes that companies should actively implement digital tools and automate business processes to increase productivity and sustainability.
Expanding into international markets has been another strategic move for ESCAPER. The brand now has branches in Georgia and Eastern European countries, broadening its horizons and enabling interaction with new audiences. This expansion strengthens ESCAPER's position on the global stage and fosters economic relations between countries.
ESCAPER's approach to automation is not limited to traditional methods. The company employs several unique strategies, such as the integration of IoT devices, AI-driven supply chain management, customized production automation, data analytics for quality control, sustainable manufacturing practices, digital twin technology, and cloud-based management platforms.
These technologies and strategies allow ESCAPER to maintain high efficiency, product quality, and responsiveness in its production and management systems. For Gukhin, the uniqueness of the offer is the basis of any business's success.
Promoting domestic products on global markets and developing partnerships with foreign companies helps Russian businesses build long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect, and maintain high-quality standards for their goods and services. Gukhin emphasizes that working on foreign markets opens up new prospects and enables learning from others.
In a world where automation is increasingly becoming a strategic tool for increasing business efficiency, Ilya Gukhin and ESCAPER are leading the way in the sportswear industry, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand with profitability.
- Ilya Gukhin, an entrepreneur in the sportswear industry, has utilized automation and innovation to transform his small-business, ESCAPER, into a leader in the sportswear industry.
- Gukhin's strategic investments in advanced manufacturing technology have reduced the time to produce a single unit by two and a half times, increased productivity, and decreased costs by a third.
- In addition to production, Gukhin has implemented digital tools for enterprise management, sales management, production planning, and staff management, seeking to automate as many business processes as possible.
- The ESCAPER project also focuses on the use of smart technologies and eco-friendly materials in manufacturing, demonstrating Gukhin's commitment to the environment and sustainability.
- Expanding into international markets has been a strategic move for ESCAPER, as it fosters economic relations and enables the brand to learn from foreign companies, ultimately building long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
