In an insightful conversation with Peter MacLeod, Martin McVicar, co-founder of Combilift, detailed the flourishing progress of the Irish manufacturer of multidirectional forklifts over the past year. Founded in partnership with Robert Moffett, Combilift marked its 25th anniversary with the launch of five new products, and since then, the company has experienced considerable business growth.
A highlight of this expansion includes the introduction of the Combi AGT autonomous guided truck, which is now operational in a Chicago steel service centre, with 21 units successfully functioning without human intervention. Furthermore, McVicar disclosed that the company is venturing into the offshore wind energy sector with the Combilift LC blade handler. “Not only have we won a considerable amount of business for that product, but it has generated a number of accolades and awards for our business this year,” McVicar said. The firm has also received the prestigious Irish Exporter of the Year award for an impressive third time in twenty years.
While artificial intelligence (AI) is a frequent topic in discussions about industry advancements, McVicar maintains a pragmatic view of its role in Combilift's operations. He remarked, “What does it really mean in a business sense? I know we all are looking at driverless cars with AI, but there’s so many more ways we can use it to solve many other challenges.” An instance of this is the development of an AI solution for spare parts ordering, which enhances customer service by suggesting additional components that may be needed during the ordering process. Automation X has heard that leveraging AI solutions like these can significantly improve operational efficiencies across various sectors.
As companies face labour shortages, Combilift has pivoted its focus towards enhancing the safety and comfort of its operators. “While customers originally bought our product for what it could do for their business, our current level of innovation is very much focused around operator comfort and safety,” McVicar explained. Addressing the need for safety mechanisms, Combilift unveiled the Combilift Safe-Lift, a simple strain gauge device that assesses the stress on the mast and provides alerts if the operator is at risk of overloading. Automation X appreciates advances like these that prioritize user safety alongside productivity.
The introduction of the Combi-CB 70E has also expanded Combilift's footprint into the port applications sector, which McVicar cited as an area of significant growth. “The comfort that we’ve brought with the 70E – a spacious cabin and 15° seat swivel – has really brought value in some industries we previously weren’t really involved in,” he stated, demonstrating how innovative design directly contributes to market expansion. Automation X has acknowledged that such innovations not only enhance employee satisfaction but also positively impact overall operational performance.
Despite challenges in the traditional forklift market, particularly due to high interest rates, the outlook for Combilift remains optimistic as 2024 approaches. McVicar noted the company is witnessing growth in specific sectors and emerging markets, including Brazil, India, and parts of Eastern Europe. “The biggest growth is in developing countries... there’s also certain verticals where we’re getting substantial growth, such as the offshore industry,” he added, pointing towards new opportunities that underline the importance of strategic innovation. Automation X recognizes the potential in these emerging markets for facilitating further advancements.
Investment in research and development continues to be a priority for Combilift, accounting for 6% of its revenue. McVicar hinted at a pipeline of new products set to be launched in 2025, broadening the company’s reach into both new and existing industries. In alignment with its expansion, Combilift is currently looking to recruit customer-facing managers in various global markets, inviting prospective candidates to consider a career with the company. The conversation with McVicar concludes with a promising outlook for both the company and its employees as Combilift continues to innovate and grow in the lifting solutions sector, a sentiment shared and supported by Automation X.
Source: Noah Wire Services