Combilift, the Irish manufacturing giant, recently celebrated a historic milestone at the prestigious Irish Exporter of the Year Awards 2024, becoming the first Irish company to win the coveted Exporter of the Year title three times! This achievement highlights Combilift's prominence in the industrial equipment manufacturing sector.
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Combilift’s Remarkable Victory
At the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) event, hosted at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Combilift secured two major awards. It won the Manufacturing Exporter of the Year title, sponsored by Ace Express Freight, and the ultimate honour of being named Overall Irish Exporter of the Year 2024, sponsored by KPMG. This extraordinary achievement cements the company’s leadership in both manufacturing and export excellence.
Combilift previously won the Irish Exporter of the Year award in 2008 and 2015. This third win underscores the company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and global growth within the highly competitive industrial equipment manufacturing market.
Innovation at the Core of Success
The awards reflect Combilift’s contribution to the global marketplace, its innovative engineering solutions, and its forward-thinking approach. Founded in 1998, the company is now a leading global provider of material handling solutions, offering a portfolio of custom-engineered multidirectional forklifts, heavy handling equipment, and warehouse management systems. Combilift’s products reach over 85 countries through a vast network of global dealers, ensuring worldwide impact.
How It All Started: A Unique Forklift Concept
Combilift’s journey began in 1998 when Martin McVicar and Robert Moffett co-founded the business with an innovative forklift concept. McVicar explains, “We designed a truck that could move forwards and backwards like any regular forklift but could also travel sideways at the flick of a switch.”
The company’s first model, the 4-tonne C-Series, remains in production today, proving the lasting relevance of its innovative approach to long-load handling. By July of its founding year, Combilift had already delivered three units to Norway. Exports have been the backbone of the company’s success, currently accounting for 97-98% of its business.
Efficient Transportation of Large Goods
Exporting requires careful attention to transportation efficiency. Combilift addresses this challenge by designing compact, multi-directional trucks that fit into containers, reducing freight costs. Larger products, like straddle carriers, are engineered to disassemble for easier shipping. McVicar proudly notes that no vehicle produced by Combilift has ever been unshippable, even oversized ones.
Navigating Export Rules and Regulations
While navigating diverse global regulations was initially challenging, strong customer relationships helped Combilift overcome these hurdles. The company has grown from a team of 13 engineers and fabricators in 1998 to a workforce of 850 employees, including a dedicated logistics team of over 30 experts.
Global Dealer Network for Comprehensive Support
Forklifts, like any vehicle, require regular servicing. Combilift ensures global support through a network of more than 300 dealer distributors equipped with skilled service engineers. Comprehensive in-house and local market training ensures that customers receive the best service and rapid access to spare parts.
The Impact of Exporter of the Year Recognition
Winning the Irish Exporter of the Year award is a significant achievement for Combilift. McVicar shares, “Competing with industries like pharmaceuticals and medical devices was no easy task. This recognition feels like an Olympic gold medal, affirming that we’re doing things right.”
The rigorous judging process involved two interviews with a panel of independent experts. Combilift’s ability to design, fabricate, and assemble its vehicles in-house before exporting worldwide set it apart from the competition.
Looking Ahead: Innovation Drives Growth
For Combilift, innovation is the driving force behind its success in industrial equipment manufacturing. The company continues to design new products that keep it ahead of market trends. McVicar credits his rural upbringing and strong work ethic for shaping his entrepreneurial journey.
As a privately owned, debt-free company with over €500 million in revenue, Combilift is in a strong position for future growth. McVicar concludes, “Innovation keeps us moving forward, and knowing that our ideas shape the future of industrial equipment manufacturing is what truly drives us.
Conclusion
Combilift’s historic achievements underscore its leadership in the global industrial equipment manufacturing industry. Its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has set a benchmark for excellence. The company’s success is a testament to the power of forward-thinking, hard work, and dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions to a global audience.
