Combilift continues to be the global leading manufacturer of customised and innovative material handling solutions for a wide range of applications across varied industry sectors. As well as Combilift’s flagship product – the multidirectional C-Series trucks, the company’s range has expanded rapidly over the years and now comprises very diverse products. These include compact pedestrian stackers and powered pallet trucks, 2-way and 4-way sideloaders, stand-on trucks, as well as straddle carriers and mobile gantries designed to handle the most extreme and oversized loads. And of course, the world’s biggest selling narrow aisle articulated forklift – the Aisle Master.
CEO and Co-founder
Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
First of all, can you talk us through the different products and services that Combilift provides.
Combilift is not just a manufacturer of handling equipment, but an expert in enabling customers to optimise their space – one of their most valuable commodities. All our products work in the smallest possible footprint according to their design, which makes for more efficient, cost effective and productive operation whilst ensuring the safest possible working environment. Our free logistic and warehouse layout design service is also a major aspect of our business. Our team of highly experienced engineers design, plan and produce material flow analyses and 3-D animations which illustrate the capacity potential on site. With the significant increase in the demand for warehouse space, compounded by the growth in e-commerce, demand for this service is higher than ever.
What sets your company apart as a supplier in your sector?
Combilift has always followed a policy of designing solutions in line with the challenges faced by the customer or application. We listen carefully and are guided by customers, and a number of our products were actually developed following specific requests for adaptations of certain models. Collaboration with a major Australian DIY chain years ago was the impetus for the introduction of the Pedestrian Range for example. More recently we developed the AME-OP order picker following feedback from Aisle Master customers for a model to speed up order picking. Once we have developed a blueprint for a new model, time to market is much faster than other manufacturers due to the agile nature of our business. We have sold over 65,000 units around the world, most of which are still in operation, so robust long life operation is another characteristic of our products that customers value.
What business sectors are your customers in?
It’s hard to think of industry sectors that can’t benefit from our products. Our ever expanding range means that there is always potential for take up from new sectors. A snapshot of sectors: aluminium, builders’ merchants, concrete … and so on throughout the alphabet.
Which industry sectors are growing fastest for you?
As mentioned, the rise of e-commerce and the spiralling cost of new warehousing space has driven the growth in orders over the past year or two, particularly for our space saving range of products such as the Aisle Master articulated trucks and the pedestrian stackers. But we are seeing increased demands from other sectors such as the offsite manufacturing and modular build industries. These are experiencing growth as prefabrication in a factory controlled environment ensures consistent build quality and also addresses the skill shortage affecting on-site construction. This has helped to boost sales of our range of, for example, larger multidirectional trucks and the straddle carriers.
How has your business and your product range developed since the last IMHX in 2019?
In spite of the challenges posed by covid since the last show, we achieved record order intake during this time. We produced over 7,000 units in 2021 and this year looks set to be another record one. At the last show a number of exhibits were electric powered, and we have introduced more electric products to our range since then. This is in line with the general move towards cleaner, greener equipment fuelled not just by legislation but by shifting public attitudes. We have put sustainability high on the agenda to help customers lower their carbon footprint by reducing emissions. In the last 18 months alone we have launched four new electric models, and over 60% of the products coming off the production lines are electric powered.
Which products and solutions are you presenting at IMHX?
We will be exhibiting around 16 models on one of the show’s largest stand areas to showcase tried and tested products as well as new ones. Having had virtual launches of new models over the last couple of years or so, we are looking forward to being able to carry out live demos of them. New electric models will take centre stage and include the Combi-MR4, a 4-wheel electric powered multidirectional reach truck with Combilift’s new Dynamic 360° ™ steering. This enables seamless directional change while on the move, allowing forward, sideward and crab steer mode for speedy operation. For maximum use of low level space in racking, two drive wheels at the rear and two sets of smaller dual front wheels provides a platform height as low as 380mm.
The Combi-XLE has a 5,000kg lift capacity and benefits from the same features as its original IC counterpart: high ground clearance, large cushioned front and rear tyres and a spacious cab, allowing smooth operation on semi rough terrain whilst offering a high level of driver comfort. It incorporates up-to-the-minute technology such as the patented all-wheel traction that reduces tyre wear and load swing and enhances braking.
Also on the stand will be the latest new model – the Combi-FSE four wheeled, two directional sideloader with 5,000kg or 6,000kg lift capacity. Like the Combi-XLE, this focuses on heavier duty applications for industry sectors such as timber, steel, tubes & pipes and builders merchants. It delivers on all aspects of reliability, durability, powerful performance and ease of maintenance, combined of course with the quiet and emission free electric operation that more and more customers are demanding.
This model’s patented traction system plays a major part in ensuring optimum performance in all weather conditions. Sensors in the front steering axle linked to the innovative Electronic Traction Control system enable the 2 independent 15kW drive motors on the rear axle to be controlled individually, with the speed of each wheel governed by the steer angle of the front wheels to provide improved steering control for the operator, better truck turning radius and reduced tyre wear. This new technology, when combined with regenerative braking (which recaptures the truck’s kinetic energy during deceleration and can be used to recharge the batteries to extend battery life), makes for Combilift’s most advanced steering system on its four wheeled trucks to date.
Why should busy professionals from the warehouse and logistics industry take time out to visit your stand at IMHX?
This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to compare and contrast the capabilities of our various products and see them in action. They can also take advantage of the expertise of our regional product managers who will be on hand to answer any queries and advise. So time well spent!
Which other countries do you operate in or export to?
Since we were first established we aimed to be a global player in this market and we now export to over 85 countries – in regions as diverse as the arctic circle to the Middle East. We have also set up subsidiaries such as Combilift USA and Combilift Australia.
It is two years to the next IMHX. Where do you see your company going in that time?
We expect more years of substantial growth and will continue to develop solutions to help our customers with any handling challenges they may have.
Combilift
+ 353 47 80500
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