Forklift manufacturer Combilift secured awards in two categories at the recent UK Materials Handling Association Awards in Birmingham on Sept. 14, including the coveted Ergonomic Innovation of the Year and the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’ awards.

Ergonomic Innovation

The Combi-CB70E was celebrated for its groundbreaking ergonomic design. The 7-ton electric-powered, multidirectional counterbalance forklift is the shortest 7-ton capacity truck on the market, making it highly efficient with long loads in tight spaces. The truck’s spacious cab, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, provides operators with excellent 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 tires ensure a smooth ride, even across rough or uneven terrain or during extended shifts. Combilift’s independent electric traction system 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.

Manufacturer Product Innovation

Combilift’s second award 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 meters in length and weigh up to 70 tonnes, have long posed logistical challenges due to their size, fragility and complexity.

"We are more than delighted to have won not just one, but two prestigious accolades at this year's Archies 2024, making this our 12th Archies to date," said Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar. "Competing against such high-caliber competitors highlights what a fantastic team we have, which are willing to push the boundaries of the material handling industry."

These awards solidify Combilift’s winning momentum after taking home Design Team of the Year for the LC Blade and the Industry Leader Award — bringing a total of four awards for the Irish manufacturer within two weeks.