The EMA heavy design team.
Combilift has secured two more awards – Design Team of the Year and The Industry Leader of the Year this time at the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024. Source: Timberbiz
The ‘Design Team of the Year’ award was presented to Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team for their exceptional work on the groundbreaking 12-Wheel “Combi-LC Blade.”
This cutting-edge machine has been specifically engineered to handle offshore wind turbine blades, which can reach up to 115 meters in length and weigh as much as 70 tonnes.
Heavy Equipment Design Team drew upon their extensive experience in engineering complex transport systems, previously creating the renowned Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges.
In addition to this remarkable team achievement, Combilift’s co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by Menzies.
Martin McVicar
This accolade honours McVicar’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, which have played a pivotal 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 €500 million 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 young 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 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 and transformation.
Beyond business success, Mr McVicar is deeply 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 ambassadors for corporate social responsibility.
The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes, charity events, family days, and educa-tional visits, further solidifying its role within the local community. Combilift also sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, demonstrating McVicar’s commitment to supporting gender equality in sports.
Combilift’s double win at the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024 is a testament to the company’s innovative spirit and visionary leadership, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the material handling industry.
