Combilift, a global innovator in material handling solutions, has achieved recognition at this year’s UK Materials Handling Association Awards, and the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, securing four highly prestigious awards.
Design Team of the Year
The ‘Design Team of the Year’ award was presented to Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team for their work on the 12-Wheel “Combi-LC Blade.” This machine has been specifically engineered to handle offshore wind turbine blades, which can reach up to 115 meters and weigh as much as 70 tons. The design significantly enhances the ability to transport these large, non-uniform loads safely and efficiently from manufacturing sites to storage and deployment locations.
This innovative solution addresses the growing needs of the renewable energy sector, where the demand for efficient logistics systems is increasing as the size and scale of offshore wind turbines continue to grow. Before the development of the Combi-LC Blade, existing transportation methods were often inadequate and posed logistical challenges. Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team drew upon their extensive experience in engineering complex transport systems, previously creating the renowned Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges.
Industry Leader Award
In addition to this remarkable team achievement, Combilift’s co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by Menzies. This accolade honors McVicar’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, which have played a pivotal role in transforming Combilift from a small Irish manufacturer into a global leader in the material handling sector.
Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year
Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team worked hand in hand with Siemens Gamesa, a supplier of offshore wind turbines, the LC Blade ensures unparalleled stability and safety during transport. Now implemented in manufacturing sites across the world, Combilift has transformed the logistics of handling wind turbine blades and set a new industry standard.
Ergonomic Innovation of the Year
The Combi-CB70E was celebrated for its ergonomic design. The 7-ton electric-powered, multidirectional counterbalance forklift is the shortest 7-ton capacity truck on the market, making it highly efficient with long loads in tight spaces. The truck’s surprisingly spacious cab, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, provides operators with excellent visibility and enhanced safety.
"We are more than delighted to have won not just one, but two prestigious accolades at this year's Archies 2024, making this our 12th Archies to date," Combilift CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar said. "Competing against such high-caliber competitors highlights what a fantastic team we have, which is willing to push the boundaries of the material handling industry."
Combilift gained further global recognition as it secured awards in two categories at the recent UK Materials Handling Association Awards in Birmingham on Saturday 14th of September. Up against some of the biggest names in Material handling, the company walked away with the coveted ‘Ergonomic Innovation of the Year’ and the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’.
The Combi-CB70E was celebrated for its groundbreaking ergonomic design. The seven-ton electric-powered, multidirectional counterbalance forklift is the shortest 7-ton capacity truck on the market, making it highly efficient with long loads in tight spaces. The truck’s surprisingly spacious cab, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, provides operators with excellent visibility and enhanced safety.
One of its standout features is the Auto Swivel Seat, which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel. This feature significantly reduces driver strain, particularly when reversing.
The CB70E also incorporates a gas strut suspension system, typically found in larger industrial machinery. This advanced suspension and large super-elastic tyres ensure a smooth ride, even across rough or uneven terrain or during extended shifts. Combilift’s independent electric traction system -previous Red Dot award winner- provides 100% traction control for all front and rear drive wheels. This system eliminates the need for a differential lock on slippery surfaces, reduces load swing, and enhances safety and precision when transporting long, heavy loads particularly when navigating sideways, regardless of ground conditions.
Combilift’s second award, the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’, went to the Combi LC Blade, a cutting-edge machine designed specifically to address the growing challenges of transporting offshore wind turbine blades from the manufacturing plant to storage or transportation facilities. These blades, which can reach up to 115 metres in length and weigh up to 70 tonnes, have long posed logistical challenges due to their size, fragility and complexity.
Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team, known for developing pioneering solutions like the Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry worked hand in hand with Siemens Gamesa, a leading supplier of offshore wind turbines, the LC Blade ensures unparalleled stability and safety during transport. Now implemented in manufacturing sites worldwide, Combilift has transformed the logistics of handling wind turbine blades and set a new industry standard.
Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar; “We are more than delighted to have won not just one, but two prestigious accolades at this year's Archies 2024, making this our 12th Archies to date. Competing against such high-caliber competitors highlights what a fantastic team we have, which is willing to push the boundaries of the material handling industry.”
These awards solidify Combilift’s winning momentum after taking home ‘Design Team of the Year’ for the LC Blade and the ‘Industry Leader Award’ - recognising McVicar’s transformative leadership at the UK EMA Awards in London, bringing a total of four awards for the Irish manufacture within two weeks.
Combilift, a leading global innovator in material handling solutions, has achieved dual recognition at this year’s UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, securing two highly prestigious awards.
The Design Team of the Year Award was presented to Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team for their exceptional work on the groundbreaking 12-Wheel “Combi-LC Blade.” This cutting-edge machine has been specifically engineered to handle offshore wind turbine blades, which can reach up to 115 meters in length and weigh as much as 70 tonnes. The design significantly enhances the ability to transport these large, non-uniform loads safely and efficiently from manufacturing sites to storage and deployment locations.
This innovative solution addresses the growing needs of the renewable energy sector, where the demand for efficient logistics systems is increasing as the size and scale of offshore wind turbines continue to grow. Prior to the development of the Combi-LC Blade, existing transportation methods were often inadequate and posed logistical challenges. Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team drew upon their extensive experience in engineering complex transport systems, previously creating the renowned Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges.
In collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest suppliers of offshore wind turbine technology, Combilift designed a transport system that offers unparalleled stability and safety in moving these massive turbine blades. The Combi-LC Blade has now been successfully deployed at manufacturing sites across the globe, demonstrating its effectiveness and transforming the way wind turbine blades are handled and transported. Combilift is renowned for its customer-centric approach and ability to develop customized material handling solutions specifically tailored to meet customers’ needs. This award, sponsored by Eureka Magazine, not only recognizes the team’s exceptional skill, collaboration, and dedication to solving one of the most pressing challenges in renewable energy logistics, but also highlights the company’s commitment to providing innovative customer-led solutions.
In addition to this remarkable team achievement, Combilift’s co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by Menzies. This accolade honors McVicar’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, which have played a pivotal role in transforming Combilift from a small Irish manufacturer into a global leader in the material handling sector.
Martin McVicar’s leadership has been instrumental in Combilift’s success. Since co-founding the company, McVicar has overseen its rapid growth, transforming it into one of Ireland’s top exporters, with a projected turnover of €500 million this year. His approach to leadership combines technical expertise with a hands-on, inclusive management style. Known for his engineering prowess, McVicar has a background as Chief Engineer at Moffett Engineering, a role he held at the young age of 19.
Under his guidance, Combilift has become synonymous with innovative problem-solving in material handling, consistently delivering tailored solutions for complex logistical challenges. The judges highlighted McVicar’s ability to navigate the company through a range of external challenges, from the impacts of the pandemic to global supply chain disruptions, while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that identifies opportunities for growth and transformation.
Beyond business success, McVicar is deeply committed to fostering a strong corporate culture. Combilift’s headquarters, the largest factory under one roof in Ireland, serves not only as a manufacturing hub but also as ambassadors for corporate social responsibility. The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes, charity events, family days, and educational visits, further solidifying its role within the local community. Combilift also sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, demonstrating McVicar’s commitment to supporting gender equality in sports.
