Combilift named Exporter of the Year for third time  

Combilift has celebrated a landmark achievement at the prestigious Irish Exporter of the Year Awards 2024, becoming the first Irish firm in history to win the Exporter of the Year title three times.

The IEA (Irish Exporters Association) event hosted at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, saw Combilift not only secure the title of Manufacturing Exporter of the Year, sponsored by Ace Express Freight, but also claimed the ultimate honour of being named Overall Irish Exporter of the Year 2024, sponsored by KPMG

The company had previously won the Irish Exporter of the Year award in 2008 and again in 2015, making this their third time receiving the prestigious title. These successes reflect Combilift’s ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and quality in a highly competitive global market.

Combilift is the leading global provider of innovative material handling solutions, offering a portfolio of custom-engineered multidirectional forklifts, heavy handling equipment and warehouse management systems. Established in 1998, the company now distributes to over 85 countries, though a global network of dealers dedicated to meeting customer needs. This international reach and strategic growth were key factors in securing Combilift’s top honours at the event.

Speaking at the Export Industry Awards, Simon McKeever, chief executive of the Irish Exporters Association, said, “I am thrilled to honour Combilift with the 2024 Exporter of the Year award. Their success in global markets is a testament to the hard work and dedication of their entire team. Combilift’s focus on innovation is at the core of its global success. Since its inception, the company has fostered a strong ethos of innovation, engineering solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible in material handling. Their customised forklifts and warehouse solutions enable businesses to maximise space, reduce costs, and enhance safety, which has been a key driver of their international growth.”

Combilift’s CEO, Martin McVicar, said, “We are absolutely delighted with this recognition. To win two major awards, including Overall Winner, is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and innovative mindset of the entire Combilift team. Winning the Exporter of the Year in our market is the equivalent of winning a Gold medal at the Olympics – we are all competing at the highest level, and this award reflects that. I would also like to thank our customers and dealers around the world, your continued support and partnership has been key to our continued success.  Our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions globally is stronger than ever, and it’s fantastic to have that recognised on such a prestigious platform.”

Combilift won seven awards through September 2024:

UK EMA – Design Team of the Year, for the Combi-Blade
UK EMA – Industry Leader Award, recognising Martin McVicar’s leadership
UKMHA Archies – Ergonomics of the Year Award, for the Combi-CB70E
UKMHA Archies – Product of the Year Award, for the Combi-Blade
Deloitte Best Managed Company – Platinum Award, for the 12th consecutive year
Irish Exporter of the Year – Manufacturing Exporter of the Year
Irish Exporter of the Year – Overall Winner – Irish Exporter of the Year 2024