Combilift the Irish material handling specialist, marked a defining moment in its history with the production of its 100,000th forklift in 2025. This remarkable milestone reflects not only engineering excellence but also a deep commitment to making a positive global impact.

100,000th Forklift Raises €100,000 For UNICEF

To honour this historic production milestone, Combilift launched its largest-ever worldwide competition, offering the exclusive 100,000th “Golden Prize” multidirectional Combi-CBE as a once-in-a-lifetime reward. Every euro raised was donated to UNICEF Ireland’s Children’s Emergency Fund. The campaign generated €56,500, and at the official cheque presentation, Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar announced that the company would increase the total donation to €100,000.

This significant contribution will help UNICEF deliver urgent, life-saving support to children affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most. The initiative underscored Combilift’s belief that business success and social responsibility should go hand in hand.

The lucky winner of the golden forklift was Kareen Farrell, who visited Combilift’s HQ in Monaghan, Ireland, to receive the prize.

Innovation at Full Lift: Combilift’s Groundbreaking 2025 Product Launches

While the 100,000th forklift represents a moment of reflection, 2025 has very much been about looking forward. Innovation remains the cornerstone of Combilift’s growth, with approximately 7% of annual revenue reinvested into research and development to address evolving customer challenges across industries.

Launched at Bauma, the Combi-SPI (Self-Propelled Inloader) represents one of Combilift’s most versatile and transformative product developments since the introduction of the Wind Turbine Blade Mover, underscoring the company’s adaptability and its unwavering focus on delivering industry-leading material handling solutions.

This fully electric, high-capacity solution is designed to transport oversized precast concrete elements and large wall panels safely and efficiently within production facilities and construction environments. Capable of handling loads of up to 30 tonnes, the Combi-SPI delivers exceptional manoeuvrability, operator visibility, and control — offering a modern alternative to traditional truck-and-trailer transport.

Developed in close collaboration with Dutch precast specialist Spaansen, the Combi-SPI reflects Combilift’s customer-driven design philosophy. The project addressed real-world safety and efficiency challenges, resulting in a machine tailored precisely to demanding operational needs in the concrete and glass sectors.

At Ligna, Combilift further expanded its electric portfolio with the launch of the Combi-FSE 8000, an 8-tonne four-wheel electric sideloader engineered for long-load handling in confined indoor and outdoor environments. With advanced traction control, optimised battery positioning, enhanced stability, and an ergonomic full-visibility cab, the FSE 8000 meets the timber and steel industries’ growing demand for high-performance, low-emission solutions.

Also introduced was the Combi Load Xtender, a pantograph-style load extension system that allows trailers and rail wagons to be loaded and unloaded from one side only — significantly improving safety and productivity in space-restricted yards.

Award-Winning Design and Engineering Excellence

Combilift’s innovation leadership in 2025 has been further validated through international recognition. The electric Combi-CB70E, a 7-tonne multidirectional counterbalance forklift, received the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025, marking the company’s third Red Dot to date.

The judges recognised the CB70E for its outstanding industrial design, ergonomic operator environment, and zero-emission performance — without compromising on the strength and stability required to handle long, heavy loads in demanding applications such as timber processing.

This award highlights Combilift’s ability to combine engineering performance with thoughtful design, reflecting customers’ increasing expectations for sustainable equipment that delivers both functionality and visual excellence.

Beyond Equipment: Smarter Space and Connected Solutions

Combilift’s expertise extends far beyond machine manufacturing. Recognising that space is one of customers’ most valuable assets, the company offers a free warehouse and yard optimisation service through its in-house engineering team. By redesigning layouts and storage systems, Combilift frequently helps customers double their storage capacity, improve throughput, and reduce handling costs — all without the need for costly building expansions.

Complementing this is Combi-Connect, Combilift’s cloud-based telematics platform. The system provides real-time data on machine performance, utilisation, and diagnostics, enabling customers to reduce downtime, improve safety, and implement proactive maintenance strategies across their fleets.

Nearly Three Decades of Lifting Smarter

From producing just 18 machines in its first year in 1998 to operating in 85 countries worldwide today, Combilift’s journey has been defined by bold thinking and a refusal to accept conventional limitations. The production of its 100,000th forklift is not simply a numerical milestone — it represents nearly three decades of innovation, global growth, and customer-focused problem solving.

As 2025 draws to a close, Combilift stands firmly positioned as a global leader in specialist material handling equipment. With a growing portfolio of electric solutions, award-winning design, and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, the company continues to shape the future of how the world moves long, heavy, and challenging loads — more safely, more efficiently, and more intelligently than ever before.