Founded in 1998 by leading Irish engineers Robert Moffett and Martin McVicar, Combilift has revolutionized the material handling industry. Recognized as the largest manufacturer of multidirectional, side-loading, and articulated forklifts, the company also produces compact pedestrian stackers, powered pallet trucks, straddle carriers, and mobile gantries, with lifting capacities ranging from 1 ton to 150 tons.
Over its 26 years of operation, Combilift has demonstrated exceptional growth, expanding from a core team of 13 to around 1,000 employees, with 850 based in Monaghan, Ireland, where the headquarters and manufacturing plant are located, and 150 working internationally. The Irish manufacturer has a strong global presence, producing over 90,000 machines across 85 countries. Its products are known for their capability to safely handle long and bulky loads in Narrow Aisles while increasing storage space. Combilift's equipment is utilized across various industries, including construction, warehousing, steel, timber, and manufacturing. The company is renowned for its revolutionary and innovative approach to materials handling solutions that increase safety, enhance warehouse efficiency, and optimize warehouse/yard space.
Innovation, Product Development, and Sustainability
Innovation is in Combilift’s DNA, with 6% of turnover invested in research and development (R&D) annually. This focus on innovation keeps the company at the forefront of product development, as seen in the launch of numerous new products in recent years. In 2023 Combilift celebrated their 25th anniversary, introducing five new products to its lineup including the Combi-Cube, Combi-AGT, Combi-LC Blade, and Combi-Connect.
In 2024, the company expanded its portfolio with two additional products:
- The Combi-SafeLift, a safety system to prevent forklift overloading. This device consists of a strain sensor on the mast section and a lift cut-out valve on the hydraulic line to disable lifting if the unit is potentially overloaded. Effectively reducing risks to operators, personnel, product as well as saving on costly repairs
- The Combi-CLL (Log Loader), another customer-led solution designed for log handling, catering to the needs of both softwood and hardwood exporters. Built on the principles of the Combi-CSS, it has a 30-ton capacity and can fully load the logs on a 40-foot container in under six minutes with just one operator.
A greener future
With the growing demand for greener technologies, 98% of Combilift’s R&D focuses on energy-efficient and electric-powered equipment, with over 70% of its production now electric.
Committed to sustainability and durability, 92% of equipment components are recyclable, and the company has long provided emission-free electric-powered models that maintain exceptional performance. The equipment is designed to be robust, built to last, and easy to maintain. Martin McVicar, co-founder and CEO, emphasizes, “We design machines that are built to last, the first truck we ever made - over 26 years ago, is still going strong at J.G Kelly Supplies! If the trucks are still going then we are reducing waste and providing long-term customer value.”
Beyond manufacturing
Combilift focuses on redefining efficiency with space-saving solutions and innovative handling of long and awkward loads. In today’s economy, where industrial building costs have risen by up to 40% post-COVID, Combilift offers prospective clients free warehouse layout designs to optimise storage by up to 50% in both new and existing facilities, providing an immediate Return On Investment.
CB70E Mixed Steel lumber concrete
Awards & Recognitions
2024 has been a landmark year for Combilift, marked by a series of prestigious awards.
The Combi-LC Blade earned two notable accolades: 'Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year' at the UKMHA Awards, and ‘Design Team of the Year’ at the EMA, which highlighted the exceptional collaboration between Combilift's Heavy Equipment Team and Siemens Gamesa.
Additionally, the Combi-CB70E won the 'Ergonomic Innovation of the Year' for its outstanding design, which includes the newly developed Auto Swivel Seat (patent pending). Engineered for driver comfort and to ease daily strain, the seat and armrest automatically swivel 15° in the direction of travel chosen by the operator.
At the EMA, Martin McVicar also received the respected 'Industry Leader Award' recognizing his visionary leadership that has driven Combilift into a global leader in material handling.
Furthermore, the company retained Deloitte’s Best Managed Company Award for the 12th consecutive year.
Combilift was recently awarded the title ‘Manufacturing Exporter of the Year’ and crowned ‘Overall Irish Exporter of the Year 2024’. McVicar said, “Our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions globally is stronger than ever, and it’s fantastic to have that recognised on such a prestigious platform. Exports account for 98% of our business, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in both manufacturing and exporting.”
The company was also proud to win the Company of the Year Award at the 50th Business & Finance Awards, recognizing significant contributions to Ireland and global growth. McVicar noted, “This award reflects the bold vision and relentless drive that has been at the heart of Combilift since Robert Moffett and I started in 1998. Every forklift, every innovation, and every milestone reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and transforming material handling worldwide.”
Lifting Innovation for years to come
Combilift’s unwavering commitment to continuous product development and substantial investment in R&D has kept the company ahead in a competitive market. In 2024, Combilift achieved another record year reaching over €500 million in revenue. The Combilift team continues to design new, exciting and innovative products, which keeps them ahead of the market and moving forward.