TPT January 2025

HANDLING, BUNDLING, PACKAGING & LOGISTICS

Combilift secures double win at UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards

and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘industry leader award’, sponsored by Menzies. This accolade honours Mr McVicar’s leadership and commitment to innovation, which have played a pivotal

THE ‘design team of the year’ award has been presented to Combilift’s heavy equipment team for its work on the innovative 12-Wheel Combi-LC Blade. This cutting-edge machine has been engineered to handle offshore wind turbine blades, which can reach up to 115m in length and weigh as much as 70 tonnes. The design enhances the ability to transport these large, non uniform loads safely and efficiently from manufacturing sites to storage and deployment locations. This solution addresses the growing needs of the renewable energy sector, where the demand for efficient logistics systems is increasing as the size and scale of offshore wind turbines continue to grow. Prior to the development of the Combi-LC Blade, existing transportation methods posed serious logistical challenges. The Combilift team drew upon their extensive experience in engineering complex transport systems having previously creating the renowned Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi MG Mobile Gantry ranges. In collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest suppliers of offshore wind turbine technology, Combilift designed a transport system that offers unparalleled stability and safety in moving these massive turbine blades. The Combi LC Blade has now been successfully deployed at manufacturing sites across the globe, demonstrating its effectiveness and transforming the way wind turbine blades are handled and transported. Combilift is renowned for its customer-centric approach and ability to develop customised material handling solutions specifically tailored to meet customers’ needs. This award, sponsored by Eureka Magazine, not only recognises the team’s exceptional skill, collaboration and dedication to solving one of the most pressing challenges in renewable energy logistics, but also highlights the company’s commitment to providing innovative customer-led solutions. In addition to this remarkable team achievement, Combilift’s co-founder

The Combilift team drew upon their experience in engineering complex transport systems having previously creating the Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges to win the awards

range of external challenges, from the impacts of the pandemic to global supply chain disruptions, while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that identifies opportunities for growth. Beyond business success, Mr McVicar is committed to fostering a strong corporate culture. Combilift’s headquarters, the largest factory under one roof in Ireland, serves not only as a manufacturing hub, but also as an HQ for corporate social responsibility. The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes, charity events, family days and educational visits, further solidifying its role within the local community. Combilift also sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, demonstrating Mr McVicar’s commitment to supporting gender equality in sports.

role in transforming Combilift from a small Irish manufacturer into a global leader in the material handling sector. Mr McVicar’s leadership has been instrumental in Combilift’s success. Since co-founding the company, he has overseen its rapid growth, transforming it into one of Ireland’s top exporters, with a projected turnover of €500mn this year. His approach to leadership combines technical expertise with a hands-on, inclusive management style. Known for his engineering prowess, Mr McVicar has a background as chief engineer at Moffett Engineering, a role he held at the age of 19. Under his guidance, Combilift has become synonymous with innovative problem solving in material handling, consistently delivering tailored solutions for complex logistical challenges. The judges highlighted Mr McVicar’s ability to navigate the company through a

Combilift www.combilift.com

The innovative 12-Wheel Combi-LC Blade

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JANUARY 2025