Material-handling equipment manufacturer Combilift has reached a major global milestone, producing its 100,000th forklift at its Monaghan, Ireland facility – a marker of almost 30 years of sustained engineering innovation and international growth.
Australia, one of the company’s most mature markets, also played a symbolic role, with Bunnings taking delivery of the 100,001st unit: a CBE3000 electric multidirectional model supplied to its Mentone site.
Combilift CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar and Australia country manager Chris Littlewood presented the unit in person, joined by long-time distribution partner Adaptalift.
McVicar said the milestone reflects the close relationship between the OEM and its Australian customer base.
“Reaching 100,000 units is a milestone for our global team, but it’s also a testament to our Australian customers. Australia has one of the most advanced and safety-focused material-handling markets in the world. Their needs have pushed us to innovate faster, engineer smarter and deliver equipment that handles extreme conditions, tighter footprints and growing sustainability targets.”
Two decades of collaboration with Bunnings
Bunnings was one of the first Australian businesses to adopt Combilift’s multidirectional technology, purchasing one of the first ten units ever imported. The retailer now operates a substantial fleet nationwide, and its operational requirements have previously influenced product development. Its feedback was the catalyst for the Combi-WR pedestrian Walkie Reach launched in 2011, designed to lift long or awkward loads more safely in tight retail environments.
“Combilift has been a trusted partner for over 20 years, helping us improve safety, efficiency and sustainability through our supply chain,” said Darren Dyer, head of procurement and supply at Bunnings. “From our early 4-Way reach truck investments, through to the Combi-WR and now our shift to electric fleets, their innovations meet the unique needs of Australian retail. We’re excited to receive the 100,001st unit at our Mentone Warehouse, which is a proud milestone in our shared commitment to smarter, safer material handling.”
Australia is a top-five global market
Adaptalift’s long partnership has helped embed Combilift deeply in Australian warehousing, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics. Today:
- More than 6000 Combilift machines operate across the country
- Australia ranks as the company’s fifth-largest global market
- Electric and multidirectional models are experiencing double-digit annual growth
For packaging, food and beverage manufacturers facing increasing spatial constraints and labour pressures, multidirectional forklifts are playing a role in reshaping warehouse and back-of-line efficiency. The ability to move long, bulky or palletised loads sideways enables narrower aisles and significantly higher storage density.
Littlewood said Australian customers continue to drive Combilift’s engineering roadmap.
“Australian operations are facing unprecedented pressure on space, labour and emissions. Multidirectional and electric forklifts address all three challenges simultaneously, by improving safety in tight aisles, cutting operating emissions and unlocking significant floor space. That’s why adoption has accelerated across manufacturing, timber, agriculture, warehousing and DIY retail.”
Electric fleets on the rise
The CBE3000 delivered to Bunnings reflects the broader shift toward electrification across industrial fleets. Drivers include reduced emissions, lower operating noise, improved indoor air quality, and lower lifecycle costs. Electric multidirectional units also provide:
- Up to 50 per cent more storage space via narrow-aisle configuration
- Reduced fleet size through multi-function capability
- Improved load stability for long, oversized or awkward goods
- Lower collision risk in high-traffic warehouse zones
- Reduced operator fatigue through pedestrian-operated alternatives
For FMCG, packaging and food manufacturers balancing sustainability commitments with productivity targets, electrification is increasingly seen as a practical step that delivers measurable gains both in carbon impact and warehouse efficiency.
Celebrating the milestone
To mark its 100,000-unit achievement, Combilift has launched a global competition offering the chance to win the commemorative special-edition 3-tonne electric multidirectional forklift. All proceeds will be donated to UNICEF Ireland’s Children’s Emergency Fund. Details are available at combilift.com/win-a-truck/.
