Party marks innovation landmark

THE IRISH manufacturer welcomed over 120 journalists from the international trade media as well as dozens of global product managers, customers and dealers to its HQ and manufacturing facility in Monaghan to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary.  Visitors were taken on extensive factory tours where they could see new products in action and meet employees in the various departments who outlined their specific areas of expertise. There was also the opportunity to get an insight into the reasons behind Combilift’s global success with a Q&A with Combilift’s CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar. To commemorate this achievement, the company unveiled three groundbreaking products which are designed to address the unique challenges faced by various industries, from offshore wind to warehousing and fleet management.

Combilift announced its move into the offshore wind sector with the launch of the Combi-LC Load Carrier. As the green energy sector sees a surge in ever larger wind turbine components, Combilift’s collaboration with industry leaders has resulted in the safe, stable and efficient lifting and storage of these extreme loads. 

Working with Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest offshore wind suppliers, Combilift designed  the Combi-LC. This enables the movement of wind turbine blades and towers – some as long as 115m and weighing in at around 70t, through production stages and on to storage locations – which can sometimes be as far as 5km apart. The concept is based on two fully customisable remote-control units with low-level chassis beds that can work in tandem master and slave operation, with dimensions and wheel configurations that vary according to load type and weight. Combilift is in active discussions with other offshore wind companies with similar demands, and expects to generate over €50m in revenue per year in this market segment by 2026.

The Combi-LC carrier unit boasts a unique attachment designed to securely grip the substantial cylindrical end of the blade, firmly affixed to the generator hub. This robust machine, powered by a 75-ton capacity diesel engine and equipped with 12 wheels, offers versatile multidirectional steering with 6 wheels. What sets it apart is its “tip side” carrier unit, which smoothly manoeuvres beneath the blade, supporting it via a hydraulic tilting table-mounted clamp toward its narrower tip. These units often operate in demanding environments with less-than-ideal ground conditions, making their robust design and adaptability all the more essential.

The Combi-AGT Autonomous Guided Forklift Truck combines advanced autonomous technology with a focus on productivity and safety. It can operate in guided aisles, ensuring optimal space utilization, and can also roam freely when necessary. It offers users the flexibility of manual driving when required, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. With its ability to navigate tight spaces efficiently and safely, the Combi-AGT promises to enhance warehouse operations and streamline material handling processes.

For more information, visit www.combilift.com