Combilift secured awards in two categories at the UK Materials Handling Association Awards held in Birmingham last month. Up against some of the biggest names in Material handling, the company walked away with the coveted ‘Ergonomic Innovation of the Year’ and ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’ awards.
The Combi-CB70E was highlighted for its ergonomic design. The seven-tonne electric-powered, multidirectional counterbalance forklift is the shortest seven-tonne capacity truck on the market, making it efficient with long loads in tight spaces. The truck’s spacious cab, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, provides operators with good visibility and enhanced safety.
One of its standout features is the Auto Swivel Seat, which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel. This feature significantly reduces driver strain, particularly when reversing.
The CB70E also incorporates a gas strut suspension system, typically found in larger industrial machinery. This advanced suspension and large super-elastic tyres ensure a smooth ride, even across rough or uneven terrain or during extended shifts. Combilift’s independent electric traction system - previous Red Dot award winner - provides 100% traction control for all front and rear drive wheels. This system eliminates the need for a differential lock on slippery surfaces, reduces load swing, and enhances safety and precision when transporting long, heavy loads particularly when navigating sideways, regardless of ground conditions.
Combilift’s second award, the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’, went to the Combi LC Blade, a machine designed specifically to address the growing challenges of transporting offshore wind turbine blades from the manufacturing plant to storage or transportation facilities. These blades, which can reach up to 115 metres in length and weigh up to 70 tonnes, have long posed logistical challenges due to their size, fragility and complexity.
Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team, worked hand-in-hand with Siemens Gamesa, a leading supplier of offshore wind turbines, the LC Blade ensures stability and safety during transport.
"We are more than delighted to have won not just one, but two prestigious accolades at this year’s Archies 2024, making this our twelfth Archies to date. Competing against such high-calibre competitors highlights what a fantastic team we have, willing to push the boundaries of the materials handling industry," says Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar.
These awards solidify Combilift’s winning momentum after taking home ‘Design Team of the Year’ for the LC Blade and the ‘Industry Leader Award’ at the UK EMA Awards in London.
