Material flow: What was your impression of this year's LogiMAT? Which encounter will remain in your memory?

Martin McVicar: "From the beginning of the fair to the end, we had a lively flow of visitors to our stand and I was not surprised to hear about this year's record number of over 50,000 visitors. As always, LogiMAT was the perfect platform for us to showcase our wide range of products to trade visitors and geographically, the venue is ideal for visitors coming from German-speaking countries, Europe and further afield. In the run-up to St. Patrick's Day, we were also delighted to welcome the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, and the Irish Ambassador to Germany, Michael Collins, to our stand on the middle day of the show.

MFL: You are showing the Combi-CS for the first time at LogiMAT - according to the press release, it is particularly suitable for use in narrow aisles - why is that? McVicar: The Combi-CS pedestrian-controlled front loader is our smallest model to date and can easily work in aisle widths of 2.3 meters. This is due firstly to its very compact dimensions and secondly to the multi-position tiller head. Thanks to this innovation, the operator can stand at the side of the truck, eliminating the need to provide additional space behind the truck.

MFL: You say it is an alternative to mobile forklifts. For which industries are these trucks recommended? McVicar: There is a growing trend towards the use of pedestrian stackers: where possible and depending on the loads to be handled, trucks such as the Combi-CS are increasingly preferred due to the increased safety they offer compared to mobile trucks - the lower speed helps to reduce the risks. The use of a Combi-CS is particularly recommended where other employees are present, such as in the production areas of manufacturing plants. The Combi-CS also offers a safe alternative in sales rooms or storage areas of DIY stores, where not only staff but also customers could be in the vicinity. Another advantage of using hand-guided devices is the faster and more cost-effective operator training.

MFL: What is the multi-position tiller head that Combilift has developed and patented? What makes it so unique?

McVicar: The multi-position tiller head is a unique design feature of the Combilift pedestrian stacker range and can be rotated to the left or right to position the driven rear wheel. Unlike conventional pedestrian stackers, the operator of a Combi-CS stands to the side. This eliminates operational hazards such as the risk of entrapment or crushing. As the operator does not have to look through the mast, this working position offers an excellent view of the forks, the load and the entire working environment.

Sometimes he likes to get behind the wheel of a sideloader himself: Combilift Managing Director Martin McVicar at LogiMAT. Photo: Liz Townsend

MFL: When you see pictures of the Aisle-Master articulated forklift trucks in use, the height they reach is impressive. Is that your unique selling point - no one can get as high as the Aisle-Master trucks? McVicar: The Aisle-Master is the only articulated truck on the market that offers lift heights of up to 15 meters, making it a good choice for companies that want to exploit their full warehouse potential. What also convinces our customers is the five-year or 5,000-hour warranty that comes as standard on every Aisle-Master.

MFL: When it comes to industrial trucks, the competition from Germany is fierce. What strategies have you developed to score points against the competition from Germany? McVicar: Germany was one of the first export markets after Combilift was founded in 1998. We found German business partners to be very analytical and open to innovative products, and they quickly recognized the concrete advantages of our handling solutions: for example, space savings, increased efficiency and enhanced safety. Our products were essentially different from the models available from German manufacturers at the time and we were able to gain a foothold relatively easily. If the product actually delivers what it promises, customers are loyal to our brand. We targeted companies and industry segments and built up a solid sales network of experienced and highly knowledgeable dealers nationwide and this has borne fruit: Germany is our third largest sales market after the UK and the USA - ten percent of our production is sold here.

MFL: How would you describe your current market position? What goals have you set yourself for the next five years? McVicar: Our position in the market as a provider of customized and bespoke handling solutions is unmatched worldwide. According to various world rankings, we are the only material handling equipment manufacturer that has almost doubled its turnover in the last four years. Our product range includes pedestrian stackers with 1 t lifting capacity, the original and proven multidirectional stackers and straddle carriers that can lift and move loads of 100 tons. We have invested €40 million in a new 46,000 square meter manufacturing facility in Monaghan, which opens this year. Thanks to this increased manufacturing capacity, the strengthening of our technical staff and the development of new model ranges, we will be able to double our unit sales and turnover over the next five years.

MFL: Thank you very much for the interview, Mr. McVicar.