Combilift, a global leader in material handling solutions, has emerged as a key enabler for the tube and pipe industry with its robust, space-optimising equipment designed specifically for handling long, heavy loads. In an exclusive interview with Tube & Pipe India, Mr. Martin McVicar, CEO and Managing Director, Combilift, shares how the company provides an array of solutions for the industry. From its versatile multidirectional forklifts to fully electric, low-emission models, Combilift addresses the sector’s core challenges– safety, efficiency, and sustainability. With a strong global footprint and a sharp focus on innovation, the company continues to transform how tube and pipe manufacturers handle, store, and move materials.
Tube & Pipe India: To start with, could you briefly introduce Combilift and share its core mission and product portfolio?
Martin McVicar: Combilift is a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative material handling solutions. Our comprehensive range of products is designed to optimise space utilisation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety in material handling operations.
Combilift’s portfolio includes multidirectional forklifts, pedestrian stackers, sideloaders, narrow-aisle articulated trucks, container loaders, and straddle carriers, all developed to meet the unique handling needs of various sectors. Since the first unit was built in 1998, we have exported more than 90,000 units to over 85 countries, demonstrating our global reach and trusted performance.
Combilift is renowned for its ability to tailor solutions to specific customer requirements, and its commitment to innovation is reflected in its extensive R&D efforts, leading to numerous industry awards and patents. By focusing on sustainable practices and maximising space utilisation, we remain leaders in the material handling sector, supporting diverse industries such as warehousing, construction, and logistics.
“Combilift offers a range of specialised material handling solutions that are well-suited to the tube and pipe manufacturing and distribution industry, addressing key challenges such as handling long loads, space optimisation, and safety.”
TPI: What specific solutions and technologies does Combilift offer that directly cater to the needs of the tube and pipe manufacturing and distribution industry?
MM: We offer a range of specialised material handling solutions that are well-suited to the tube and pipe manufacturing and distribution industry, addressing key challenges such as handling long loads, space optimisation, and safety.
The original Combilift multidirectional C-Series and CB models are tried and trusted favourites for the space-saving handling of the long products traditionally found in the tube and pipe sector. The multidirectional capability allows for sideways navigation while handling long and bulky loads of tubes or pipes. Additionally, the sideways function eliminates the need for overhead carrying while navigating narrow aisles and tight spaces, which significantly reduces the risk of injury or collision. This, in turn, allows for much better and cost-effective use of all available space, and results in an all-round safer working environment. An additional safety feature is that our forklifts are built with a very low centre of gravity, allowing for a low-to-the-ground movement of your load.
The C-Series and CB range are robust, built-to-last and reliable workhorses which operate inside and out in all weather conditions and tough environments. Both models are available with various power options and can be customised to specific individual requirements. The C-Series range offers lift capacities of up to 25 tonnes, while the CB range goes up to 7 tonnes.
TPI: Within the tube and pipe segment, what share or proportion of your product deployments are tailored for handling long, heavy loads typically associated with this sector?
MM: Our equipment is specifically designed to handle long, bulky and heavy loads such as the ones found in the tube and pipe segment. This focus ensures that our solutions effectively meet the unique demands and requirements associated with handling such materials.
“The original Combilift multidirectional C-Series and CB models are tried and trusted favourites for the space-saving handling of the long products traditionally found in the tube and pipe sector.”
TPI: What does Combilift’s current market footprint look like in the tube and pipe sector—both geographically and across application types?
MM: In 1998, we manufactured 18 forklifts, with 17 of those being exported. Fast forward 27 years, and we have exported over 85,000 units to more than 85 countries. From the very beginning, exports have been our primary focus, and today they account for 97-98% of our business.
Last October, we achieved a significant milestone by winning two prestigious awards: Manufacturing Exporter of the Year and Overall Irish Exporter of the Year. These accolades serve as strong evidence of our commitment to excellence in exports.
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TPI: Sustainability is becoming integral to industrial equipment, how is Combilift incorporating eco-friendly practices into product design, energy efficiency, or lifecycle value?
MM: Reducing your company’s carbon footprint benefits society and the environment, and transitioning to electric-powered equipment can ensure a more sustainable business model. Sustainability is at our core – we’re highly focused on making our vehicles more environmentally friendly and helping our customers maximise their warehouse efficiency.
We are responding to the increasing demand for greener technologies, with 98% of our R&D dedicated to developing energy-efficient and electric-powered equipment. Recent product innovations, such as the Combi CB70E, Combi-Cube, Combi-FSE 8000 and Combi-AGT, are fully electric models, exemplifying this commitment. Additionally, over 70% of its current production is electric.
Almost every model in our extensive range of products is now available with electric power. The ever-increasing lift capacities will answer the demand for more powerful products, which at the same time help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations.
As well as using electric power, optimising warehouse space also contributes to a sustainable supply chain. Maximising space use leads to lower energy consumption for utilities like heating and lighting. By narrowing your aisles and using higher racking, you can free up space to create more storage.
We have always viewed Combilift as more than just a designer and manufacturer of forklifts and other handling solutions. Space is one of the most valuable assets our customers possess, and if our trucks can help them improve storage density, then everyone benefits.
As well as improving the efficiencies of customers, we are striving to become more sustainable in our own operations. We are strongly committed to reducing our own carbon footprint, which extends to optimising our resources and minimising waste. This encompasses everything from biomass fuel being used in our paint lines, to our lighting and use of renewable energy.
30 per cent of the manufacturing plant’s roof space is equipped with skylights, allowing staff to work in natural daylight. The facility also practices rainwater harvesting, which is utilised for jet washing and in employee restrooms and employs solar technology that generates 185 kW of energy, accounting for 10 per cent of its daily energy usage. In addition, Combilift has transitioned to using water-based paints for all the machines it manufactures, significantly reducing the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) used, thereby helping to protect the environment.
“Almost every model in our extensive range of products is now available with electric power. The ever-increasing lift capacities will answer the demand for more powerful products, which at the same time help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations.”
