Forklift innovation for the future

Combilift recently invited more than 200 journalists from across the globe to visit their warehouse and celebrate their 25th anniversary in Monaghan, Ireland.

- Glenneis Kriel

Forklift company, Combilift, was founded by engineers Robert Mofett and Martin McVicar in 1998, when they pooled their expertise to build the world’s first internal combustion engine powered, all-wheel drive, multi-directional forklift. They employed three people and produced 18 of these forklifts that year, of which one was sold locally and the others were exported.

Today, Combilift employs more than 800 people at its headquarters in Monaghan and global support offices, and produces 10 000 forklifts per year. What is more, the company has established itself as the world’s leading innovator and manufacturer of multi-directional forklifts and straddle carriers, and recently launched the world’s first autonomous dual operational side loader for long loads, the Combi-AGT.

This autonomous forklift, which was showcased at the celebration, embraces the very latest in smart technology to carry loads of up to 5 tons in guided aisles and in free roaming. It also comes with a back-up manual mode in case of power outages or internet disruptions.

INVESTING IN PEOPLE

While it was impressive to see the Combi-AGT in action, the thing that wowed me even more was Combilift’s work culture and ethos.

The first thing I thought as we drove up to Combilift’s modern headquarters, was “this must be a nice place to work”.

The building seemed open and light, with a canteen near the entrance that looked out onto the green surrounding fields. I later discovered that 30% of the roof space was covered in skylights to enable staff to work in natural light.