Combilift: Lifting Innovation to Unlock Every Inch of Your Storage Space

Clare Hollister

In today’s competitive timber sector, where every square metre counts and land prices continue to rise, optimising existing storage space has never been more critical.

Expanding or relocating facilities can be costly and disruptive, but maximising your current facility offers a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative -unlocking new potential without major investment or operational downtime. In this challenging environment, more companies are embracing the philosophy of ‘improving, not moving’, making the most of the space they already have.

With nearly three decades of experience, Irish material-handling specialist Combilift combines its versatile range of multidirectional forklifts with intelligent warehouse design to help businesses do more with less space — safely, efficiently, and profitably.

Combilift’s Free Warehouse Planning Service

“We have always viewed Combilift as more than just a forklift manufacturer. Space is one of the most valuable assets our customers possess, and if our trucks can help them improve storage density, everyone benefits,” explains CEO and Co-founder Martin McVicar.

Combilift’s team of experienced design engineers provides a complimentary warehouse and yard planning service, creating customised layouts that maximise storage capacity based on the capabilities of Combilift equipment. By reducing aisle widths and making better use of vertical space, companies can increase storage capacity by up to 50% while also improving workflow efficiency and safety.

This approach ensures that every project delivers measurable gains in storage density, productivity, and operational safety.

Farrell Furniture, which designs and manufactures contract, office, and residential furniture from its base in Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, is a clear example of how optimising existing facilities can drive significant growth.

Farrell’s Joint CEO, Brendan Farrell, explains:

“Our warehouse is the same size it was when we got our first Combilift, but over the last few years, we have quadrupled in growth. This is testimony to how Combilift’s original layouts future-proofed us. Due to the lift height of 6m of our C4000 model we have been able to go up not out. The truck’s ability to travel sideways as well as block stack, plus its inherent stability means that even our largest loads – 3.6 x 2m for example – can be very safely moved around and easily accommodated in the space available.”      

Continuous Innovation

Innovation lies at the core of Combilift’s DNA, with 6% of annual revenue invested in research and development. In recent years, the company has introduced a range of advanced solutions tailored to the specific demands of the timber industry, including its latest electric models, the Combi-CB70E and the Combi-FSE 8000.

Responding to the growing demand for more sustainable operations, the Irish material-handling specialist now directs 98% of its R&D towards energy-efficient and electric-powered equipment. Today, more than 70% of Combilift’s production is electric, underlining its strong commitment to greener technology.

The Combi-FSE 8000 is an 8-tonne-capacity, four-wheel electric sideloader designed for handling structural timber, packs of sawn wood, panels, and engineered wood products in confined indoor or outdoor environments and narrow aisles.

The FSE 8000 also features Advanced Independent Traction Control combined with Combilift’s patented steering technology, ensuring smooth and safe handling even in wet or uneven yard conditions. Its optimised under-deck rear battery placement improves visibility and balance while allowing quick battery changeovers for multi-shift operations. A reinforced chassis and extended heavy-duty load platform enable the safe handling of long and heavy loads without compromising manoeuvrability, while the full-visibility cab and intuitive controls are designed to maximise operator comfort and safety during extended shifts.

Award-Winning Material-Handling Solutions

Combilift’s commitment to continuos innovation continues to earn global recognition. The electric Combi-CB70E, launched at Ligna 2023 to mark the company’s 25th anniversary, received the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious design honours.

The 7-tonne-capacity Combi-CB70E is a multidirectional electric counterbalance forklift designed for handling long and bulky timber loads in confined spaces. Equipped with Independent Traction Control, all-terrain rubber tyres, and zero-emission operation, it delivers high performance with sustainability in mind.

Operator comfort is enhanced by a spacious suspension cab, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and an Auto Swivel Seat, which automatically turns 15 degrees in the direction of travel, ensuring optimal ergonomics and reduced operator fatigue during long shifts.

Make the Most of the Space You Already Have

Discover how Combilift’s versatile product range and warehouse-planning expertise can help you maximise existing space, improve safety, and increase efficiency in your timber operations. Visit Combilift.com for more information. 

In today’s competitive timber sector, where every square metre counts and land prices continue to rise, optimising existing storage space has never been more critical.

Expanding or relocating facilities can be costly and disruptive, but maximising your current facility offers a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative -unlocking new potential without major investment or operational downtime. In this challenging environment, more companies are embracing the philosophy of ‘improving, not moving’, making the most of the space they already have.

With nearly three decades of experience, Irish material-handling specialist Combilift combines its versatile range of multidirectional forklifts with intelligent warehouse design to help businesses do more with less space — safely, efficiently, and profitably.

Combilift’s Free Warehouse Planning Service

“We have always viewed Combilift as more than just a forklift manufacturer. Space is one of the most valuable assets our customers possess, and if our trucks can help them improve storage density, everyone benefits,” explains CEO and Co-founder Martin McVicar.

Combilift’s team of experienced design engineers provides a complimentary warehouse and yard planning service, creating customised layouts that maximise storage capacity based on the capabilities of Combilift equipment. By reducing aisle widths and making better use of vertical space, companies can increase storage capacity by up to 50% while also improving workflow efficiency and safety.

This approach ensures that every project delivers measurable gains in storage density, productivity, and operational safety.

Farrell Furniture, which designs and manufactures contract, office, and residential furniture from its base in Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, is a clear example of how optimising existing facilities can drive significant growth.

Farrell’s Joint CEO, Brendan Farrell, explains:

“Our warehouse is the same size it was when we got our first Combilift, but over the last few years, we have quadrupled in growth. This is testimony to how Combilift’s original layouts future-proofed us. Due to the lift height of 6m of our C4000 model we have been able to go up not out. The truck’s ability to travel sideways as well as block stack, plus its inherent stability means that even our largest loads – 3.6 x 2m for example – can be very safely moved around and easily accommodated in the space available.”      

Continuous Innovation

Innovation lies at the core of Combilift’s DNA, with 6% of annual revenue invested in research and development. In recent years, the company has introduced a range of advanced solutions tailored to the specific demands of the timber industry, including its latest electric models, the Combi-CB70E and the Combi-FSE 8000.

Responding to the growing demand for more sustainable operations, the Irish material-handling specialist now directs 98% of its R&D towards energy-efficient and electric-powered equipment. Today, more than 70% of Combilift’s production is electric, underlining its strong commitment to greener technology.

The Combi-FSE 8000 is an 8-tonne-capacity, four-wheel electric sideloader designed for handling structural timber, packs of sawn wood, panels, and engineered wood products in confined indoor or outdoor environments and narrow aisles.

The FSE 8000 also features Advanced Independent Traction Control combined with Combilift’s patented steering technology, ensuring smooth and safe handling even in wet or uneven yard conditions. Its optimised under-deck rear battery placement improves visibility and balance while allowing quick battery changeovers for multi-shift operations. A reinforced chassis and extended heavy-duty load platform enable the safe handling of long and heavy loads without compromising manoeuvrability, while the full-visibility cab and intuitive controls are designed to maximise operator comfort and safety during extended shifts.

Award-Winning Material-Handling Solutions

Combilift’s commitment to continuos innovation continues to earn global recognition. The electric Combi-CB70E, launched at Ligna 2023 to mark the company’s 25th anniversary, received the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious design honours.

The 7-tonne-capacity Combi-CB70E is a multidirectional electric counterbalance forklift designed for handling long and bulky timber loads in confined spaces. Equipped with Independent Traction Control, all-terrain rubber tyres, and zero-emission operation, it delivers high performance with sustainability in mind.

Operator comfort is enhanced by a spacious suspension cab, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and an Auto Swivel Seat, which automatically turns 15 degrees in the direction of travel, ensuring optimal ergonomics and reduced operator fatigue during long shifts.

Make the Most of the Space You Already Have

Discover how Combilift’s versatile product range and warehouse-planning expertise can help you maximise existing space, improve safety, and increase efficiency in your timber operations. Visit Combilift.com for more information. 

www.combilift.com