Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Combilift, a global leader in material handling solutions, has achieved remarkable recognition at this year’s UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, winning two prestigious accolades that highlight its innovation and leadership in the sector.
Design Team of the Year
Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team was awarded the coveted ‘Design Team of the Year’ for their groundbreaking work on the 12-Wheel Combi-LC Blade, a cutting-edge machine specifically designed to handle offshore wind turbine blades. These turbine blades, which can measure up to 115 metres in length and weigh up to 70 tonnes, require safe and efficient transportation from manufacturing sites to storage and deployment locations, a challenge the Combi-LC Blade was engineered to address.
The demand for more effective logistics systems in the growing renewable energy sector continues to rise, especially as offshore wind turbines increase in size and scale. Prior to the development of the Combi-LC Blade, existing methods of transporting these large, irregular loads were often insufficient. Drawing on their experience with the Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges, Combilift’s design team developed a solution that delivers unmatched stability and safety.
In collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest suppliers of offshore wind turbine technology, Combilift created a transport system that has already been deployed at manufacturing sites globally. The Combi-LC Blade has transformed the way wind turbine blades are handled, further reinforcing Combilift’s reputation for providing customised, customer-centric material handling solutions. The award, sponsored by Eureka Magazine, recognises the team’s exceptional skill and dedication in overcoming one of the renewable energy sector’s most pressing logistical challenges.
Industry Leader Award
Alongside this team achievement, Combilift’s Co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by Menzies. This accolade acknowledges McVicar’s visionary leadership and his vital role in transforming Combilift from a small Irish manufacturer into a global leader in the material handling industry.
McVicar’s leadership has been instrumental in Combilift’s rapid growth. Since co-founding the company, he has overseen its rise to become one of Ireland’s top exporters, with a projected turnover of €500 million in 2024. His hands-on management style, combined with his technical expertise, has positioned Combilift as a trailblazer in solving complex material handling challenges.
The judges praised McVicar’s ability to steer Combilift through external challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, all while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that continues to identify opportunities for growth and transformation.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Beyond Combilift’s commercial success, McVicar is deeply committed to fostering a positive corporate culture. Combilift’s headquarters, the largest factory under one roof in Ireland, serves not only as a manufacturing hub but also as a centre for corporate social responsibility. The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes, charity events, family days, and educational visits, further cementing its role within the local community. Additionally, Combilift sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, reflecting McVicar’s commitment to supporting gender equality in sport.
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