Combilift launched its first C4000 4-way model – the world’s first IC engine-powered all-wheel-drive multidirectional forklift – in 1998 and the company is now the acknowledged world leader when it comes to designing and manufacturing specialist trucks for safe, space saving and productive handling of long loads, pallets, oversized loads and containers. Continual product development has led to the introduction of at least one new model a year and more than 23,500 units, all designed and manufactured at Combilift’s HQ and production facilities in Co. Monaghan, Ireland, have now been sold in at least 75 countries.
WLN – As the Specialist Trucks category experts, how has the category been performing in the last 12 months? What are the major trends and developments?
Business has been very positive at Combilift. 2014 will be by far the best year since we established the company 16 years ago. Our turnover of approximately €145m will be 50% above our peak in 2008 before the global downturn, which proves the ongoing demand for specialist products such as those we produce. The ability to do more, safely, with fewer pieces of equipment is also still a major reason for customers to buy our products as they reduce the costs of capital investment, overheads, insurance, maintenance and training.
WLN – What are your core products and services: what are you best known for providing?
Our initial success was due to our 4-way forklifts and these trucks, with capacities of 2.5 – 25 tonnes, are still the core of Combilift’s range. Due to our policy of product development customers are however now very aware of our extended portfolio which includes the Aisle-Master articulated trucks, the Combi-SC straddle carriers and the Combi-WR and Combi-WR4 pedestrian reach stackers, which means that we can now offer load capacities from 1.5 to 80t. Rather than just being a manufacturer of forklifts customers know us as a provider of materials handlings solutions which include site visits, and free warehouse layout design and 3D simulation for example.
WLN – What developments or upgrades have you made to your core products and services in the last 12 months?
An example of continued product refinement is the recently developed Combilift Rotating Operator Console which allows 90? rotation of the operator and controls within the cabin. Simple joystick operation activates the hydraulic rotation of the seat, steering column, pedals, mast controls etc. requiring minimal effort from the operator. This ergonomic system allows operators to face the load while manipulating it in confined spaces. When travelling across extensive distances the operator can select the transport driving position again via the conveniently positioned joystick. This feature has been selected as a finalist in the Ergonomics category for the 2015 FLTA Awards for Excellence.
WLN – What makes you the ‘go to’ supplier in your area of expertise?
Having been in the specialist truck business since the outset we can draw on our experience, technical expertise and years of listening to customer feedback to offer the most thoroughly researched and designed products on the market which are one step ahead of competitors’ trucks. Customers, wherever they are situated in the world, also appreciate the straightforward design, the use of readily available standard components for easy maintenance and the short term return on investment that our products guarantee.
WLN – Have you launched any new products and services in the past year? How are they performing?
The new 15E narrow head Aisle-Master is proving to be a popular model as it can operate in 1600mm aisles, due to its patented crossed dual hydraulic cylinder steering system and narrow axle. The cylinders, in their unique position one above the other and crossed at the point where the mast turns into the chassis, are connected to the mast carrier with heavy duty chains which makes for precise and controlled steering with no slack in the system. This machine has been selected as a finalist in the Innovation category for the 2015 FLTA Awards for Excellence.
We also launched a new variant of the straddle carrier – the Combi-SC Top-Lift. This incorporates a telescopic automatic spreader and can handle 20ft, 30ft, 40ft and 45ft containers to achieve throughput of up to 20 units an hour when moving loads around sites or loading on/off road and rail trucks. The first of these was delivered to Australia earlier in the year and sales of this model are very buoyant.
WLN – Which industry sectors are your customers in?
Almost any industry sector you care to think of! Any company that wants to make handling, storage and transport more efficient is likely to find a solution with one of our products: from ports to poultry, scrap vehicles, steel, plastics, timber – the list is almost endless. 3pl and distribution companies also value the Aisle-Master for its space saving attributes and lift heights of up to 15m, which enable maximum pallet density for reduced per-pallet costs.
WLN – Can you tell us about your latest major projects, and what they involve?
Following a contract with Eddie Stobart’s Contract Logistics and Warehousing Division towards the end of last year for a major fleet of Aisle-Masters, more and more trucks are now in operation across the country. The newly opened Dagenham warehouse has just taken delivery of four Eddie Stobart spec Aisle-Masters. We have also entered into an agreement to supply leading home improvement chain Wickes with Aisle-Masters, and will be releasing more information on this in due course.
WLN – Have you made any big moves recently in terms of investment in the business, recruitment and so on?
Within the last 12 months we have recruited 45 additional personnel. We have made a significant investment in terms of personnel Lean training & introducing a number of Lean principles into two of our assembly lines. Due to the demand for the Combi-SCs we have also made investment in a dedicated production facility for the range in what was our original factory in Clontibret.
WLN – What was your company’s single biggest achievement in the last year?
It’s hard to single out one achievement, as there were quite a few high points. We are proud of the fact that the Combi-WR4 was amongst the winners of the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design. This is one of the world’s largest product competitions which attracts submissions from over 50 countries, with more than 1,800 manufacturers and designers entering their products for consideration this year. The Combi-WR4 was also voted winner of the Ergonomics Award from the UK Fork Lift Truck Association, and this is the sixth time that Combilift products have won various FLTA category awards over the past nine years. We have also been acknowledged by Deloitte as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies this year, for the second year running.
WLN – What are your plans for 2015? Are you planning to bring out any more products or services, move into new markets or enter new countries?
We have always looked to expand our market both geographically and in terms of new market segments we will continue to do so. As we are already supplying our products into 75+ markets our key focus will be on increasing our presence within existing markets. We plan to continue to invest 7% of our turnover into new product development. We religiously bring out at least one new concept Combilift model per year. We already have 2 new products in the development pipeline to bring to the market during 2015.
WLN – Are you exhibiting at any major trade shows this year?
We generally exhibit at around 40 major logistics and industry trade fairs around the world every year. Although 2015 is reasonably quiet where events are concerned in the UK, we will be at Logimat in Stuttgart in February, at Promat in Chicago in March and as usual we will have a large outdoor stand at the woodworking and timber show, LIGNA, in Hannover in May.
WLN – What are your predictions for the industry in 2015?
We are confident that the overall global market will continue to grow. We expect to see a slight reduction in some of our export markets, however, we are very confident that the USA & UK markets will continue to grow significantly during 2015.
WLN – What other headline news from your company can our readers look forward to reading about in Warehouse & Logistics News in 2015?
You know we don’t give away our plans in detail but as always you can expect something new and innovative from us in 2015!
Phone: + 353 47 80500
Email: Info@combilift.com
Web: www.combilift.com
Twitter: @Combilift_Ltd
Facebook: Combilift
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