Combilift has won two highly prestigious awards at this year’s UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024.
The ‘Design Team of the Year’ award was presented to Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team for their work on the 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. The design significantly enhances the ability to transport these large, non-uniform loads safely and efficiently from manufacturing sites to storage and deployment locations.
This innovative solution addresses the growing needs of the renewable energy sector, where the demand for efficient logistics systems is increasing as the size and scale of offshore wind turbines continue to grow. Prior to the development of the Combi-LC Blade, existing transportation methods were often inadequate and posed logistical challenges. Combilift’s 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 collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest suppliers of offshore wind turbine technology, Combilift designed a transport system that offers unparalleled stability and safety in moving these massive turbine blades. The Combi-LC Blade has now been successfully deployed at manufacturing sites across the globe, demonstrating its effectiveness and transforming the way wind turbine blades are handled and transported.
This award, sponsored by Eureka Magazine, not only recognises the team’s skill, collaboration, and dedication to solving one of the most pressing challenges in renewable energy logistics, but also highlights the company’s commitment to providing innovative customer-led solutions.
Combilift’s co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by Menzies. This accolade honours his 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.
Since co-founding the company, Martin 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, Martin has a background as Chief Engineer at Moffett Engineering, a role he held at the young age of 19.
The judges highlighted his 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, Martin is deeply committed to fostering a strong corporate culture. The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes, charity events, family days and educational visits, further solidifying its role within the local community. Combilift also sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, demonstrating commitment to supporting gender equality in sports.
www.engineeringmanufacturingawards.com