Combilift offers three new trucks, opens new HQ

The rapidly growing supplier of lift trucks for long loads unveils new models for improved handling efficiency at Combilift's new HQ and manufacturing complex in Ireland.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 8/1/2006

While many think the lift truck business is mature and short on product development, the industry has enjoyed strong growth for three years now, and introduced more than 40 new models in that time.

Riding that wave has been Combilift, which supplies lift trucks for handling long loads both indoors and out. The long load market accounts for about 10% of worldwide lift truck sales, says managing director Martin McVicar.

And it's a strong enough niche to have propelled Combilift in just 8 years from a startup to a $60 million a year operation. It is ranked 20^th among the world's largest lift truck suppliers, making Modern's list for the first time this year.

To accommodate what has been more than 20% annual growth, the company opened this summer its new headquarters and manufacturing plant in Monaghan, Ireland. The company exports 94% of the trucks it makes there to more than 45 countries worldwide. The U.S. accounts for almost 30% of the company's sales.

During a grand opening of the facilities, Combilift also introduced three new lift trucks – the GT hydrostatic electric sideloader, the rough terrain C10,000L and the TeleCombi. "These new forklifts mark a milestone in Combilift's growth, "says Tommy Cadden, Combilift USA president.

The company says the electric sideloader is the first hydrostatic electric-powered model available. The all wheel drive multi-directional unit offers optical guidance as an option. Optical cameras mounted on the truck monitor a tape on the floor for driverless operation.

The semi-rough terrain truck is suited to industrial handling of long loads indoors and handling loads of lumber in yards. Solid pneumatic tires make it sutitable for unpaved yards and semi-rough terrain. Cab size is said to be roomy for the operator.

The TeleCombi features a boom lift that loads and unloads the contents of an over-the-road trailer from one side. A moving carriage retracts the load at specific heights, eliminating the need for constant height adjustment required by regular boom machines.