Handling & Safety Matters 32 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk October/November 2024 Few stories in manufactuirng exemplify innovation and perseverance as effectively as that of Combilift. Martin McVicar, the co-founder and CEO, recently received the prestigious title of Irish Exporter of the Year, a reflection of the company's remarkable journey since its establishment in 1998. PWE reports. Combilift began with a unique vision: to create a forklift that could move not only forwards and backwards, like traditional models, but also sideways at the flick of a switch. This pioneering concept emerged from a collaboration between McVicar and Robert Moffett, and their first model, the multidirectional 4-tonne C-Series, remains in production today, 26 years later. Its innovative approach to long-load handling—often a precarious task for standard forklifts—made the benefits of their design readily apparent, even before a prototype was available. By July of that inaugural year, Combilift had completed three units destined for customers in Norway. McVicar recalls the time fondly, revealing how he told his girlfriend, now his wife, that they were taking a holiday to Norway when, in reality, he was overseeing the delivery of those first trucks. By the end of that year, the company had produced 18 forklifts, with 17 of them exported. From the outset, Combilift prioritised exports, which now account for 97-98% of its business. Export-focused Transporting goods efficiently has always been a primary concern, particularly for an export-focused company. McVicar emphasises that minimising transportation costs was crucial from day one. The design of Combilift's compact, multi-directional trucks allows them to fit into shipping containers, significantly reducing freight expenses. For larger products, such as straddle carriers that can reach heights of up to 14 metres, the engineering team created a modular design, enabling these vehicles to be disassembled for shipping. This innovative approach ensures that every unit is transported efficiently. For oversized equipment, Combilift employs roll-on, rolloff shipping, allowing vehicles to be driven directly onto the ship for seamless transport. Impressively, McVicar notes, “So far, we’ve never had a vehicle we couldn’t ship,” reflecting the robustness of the company’s logistics strategy. Navigating the complexities of international trade can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the myriad of export rules and regulations that differ from country to country. McVicar admits that their initial ignorance of these From local roots to global reach
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