For over 27 years, Combilift has revolutionised the material-handling industry with its tailored, space-efficient solutions.
The Irish manufacturer recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: the production of its 100,000th forklift. This achievement underscores the company’s impressive growth and the global reach of its products, which are now exported to 85 countries worldwide.
To mark this historic event, Combilift is offering an exclusive opportunity to win a forklift through a special competition, with all proceeds benefiting UNICEF Ireland’s Children’s Emergency Fund. This gesture highlights the company’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility.
Innovation is in Combilift’s DNA and this dedication is evident in its substantial R&D investments, allocating 6% of revenue annually to research and development.
This commitment has led to many product innovations, industry accolades, and several patents. By focusing on sustainable practices and maximising space utilisation, Combilift remains a global leader in the timber handling sector.
At LIGNA 2025, the company introduced the Combi-FSE 8000, a powerful four-wheel electric sideloader designed for both indoor and outdoor timber handling. With an 8-tonne lift capacity, it efficiently handles structural timber, sawn wood, and engineered panels in tight spaces. Key features include advanced independent traction control and Combilift’s patented steering system, ensuring safe operation even on rough or wet surfaces.
The FSE 8000 also boasts optimised battery placement – a rear under-deck configuration that improves visibility, balance, and allows for quick battery swaps, ideal for multi-shift operations. Its heavy-duty load platform and reinforced chassis enable the handling of long and heavy loads without compromising manoeuvrability. Operator comfort and safety are prioritised with an ergonomic, fullvisibility cab and intuitive controls.
Additionally, the FSE 8000 is equipped with Combi-Connect, a cloud-based telematics system that provides real-time data on performance, diagnostics, and usage insights. This helps fleet managers optimise maintenance schedules and reduce downtime.
Alongside the FSE 8000, Combilift launched the Combi Load Xtender, a pantograph-style device designed to streamline trailer and rail wagon loading/ unloading from a single side. This innovation is perfect for space-constrained yards, improving safety by reducing personnel exposure to traffic and minimising vehicle movements – thus lowering fuel use and emissions.
“These new solutions were developed in direct response to what we’re hearing from the timber sector,” explained Martin McVicar, CEO of Combilift. “Customers need to move larger loads in tighter spaces with greater safety and lower emissions. The FSE 8000 and Combi Load Xtender do just that – and they’re backed by Combilift’s proven track record in long-load innovation.”
Combilift’s commitment to innovation and performance has been recognised globally. Recently, the company received the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025 for the Combi-CB70E, a 7-tonne electric multi-directional forklift. This marks the third Red Dot Award for Combilift, following the Combi-WR and Combi-CB4.
The CB70E impressed judges with its sustainable design, independent traction control, and zero-emission operation.
Features such as a gas-strut suspension cab, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and an auto swivel seat that adjusts 15O in the direction of travel ensure optimal ergonomics and comfort for operators, even during long shifts.
The recent Red Dot Award is Combi- CB70E’s second recognition, following last September’s ‘Ergonomic Innovation of the Year’ award at the UK Materials Handling Association Awards.
“We have always seen Combilift as much more than a designer and manufacturer of forklifts and other handling solutions,” said Mr McVicar.
“Space is one of the most valuable assets our customers possess, and if our trucks can make it work better for them in terms of storage density then everyone benefits. The ongoing demand for warehouse space coupled with ever-rising business costs means that space optimisation is now more important than ever.
“Additional benefits of course also include avoiding the operational headache for management and the workforce of relocating to new premises, the lack of bureaucracy associated with new builds or extensions, and the expense of leasing extra offsite storage.”
With a team of experienced design engineers, Combilift offers a free-of-charge warehouse design and layout service.
This service demonstrates how warehouse space can be configured according to the capabilities of Combilift’s products, which in some cases can double available space.
