Irish Engineering Meets Australian Offsite Construction at Combilift Event

Irish materials handling company Combilift has celebrated 21 years of operations in Australia at an event in Melbourne on 22 November. Held at the Fox Classic Car Collection in Docklands, the occasion brought together industry partners, customers, and staff to reflect on the company’s achievements and discuss its role in offsite construction and modern building practices. (main pic: Combilift and the Adaptalift team celebrating 21 years of operating in Australia.)

Expansion into Australia

Founded in 1998 by Martin McVicar and Robert Moffett in County Monaghan, Ireland, Combilift entered the Australian market in 2003 through a partnership with Adaptalift, a family-owned materials handling dealer group. McVicar, Combilift’s managing director, recalled the company’s early days in Australia. “My first trip to Australia was a marathon journey from Cincinnati via Chicago, Los Angeles, Auckland, and finally Brisbane. That trip set the stage for a lasting relationship,” he said.

Adaptalift founder Peter Whiffen, who discovered Combilift while seeking solutions for a client’s specific handling needs, visited the company’s Irish factory before establishing the partnership. “Combilift impressed me from the start, and the relationship has been mutually beneficial ever since,” Whiffen said.

Combilift’s Australian managing director Chris Littlewood noted that Combilift has built a strong presence in Australia, now its fifth-largest market globally. The company’s Australian fleet exceeds 4,500 units, with significant growth in market share.

Role in Offsite Construction

McVicar used the event to discuss Combilift’s contributions to the offsite construction sector in Australia. “With rental prices per square metre at record highs, offsite construction offers an efficient solution to deliver high-quality buildings,” he said.

He highlighted the growing adoption of modular construction practices in Australia. “Prefabricated wall panels and trusses are becoming more common here, but there’s still work to be done to match countries like Sweden. Their automated factories produce complete wall panels, fully fitted with plumbing and electrical systems,” McVicar said.

Automation, according to McVicar, is key to addressing high labour costs in Australia. “The more we automate the process, the more we can enhance quality, reduce waste, and make housing more affordable,” he said.

Watch Combilift’s Managing Director Martin McVicar in an interview with Built Offsite publisher Michael Dolphin at the event.

More Than Forklifts

Combilift’s role in offsite construction extends beyond forklifts. McVicar described the company’s holistic approach to materials handling. “We don’t just make forklifts. We’re involved in the entire process—from moving raw materials to transporting completed modular buildings,” he said.

He pointed to Combilift’s straddle carriers as an example. These machines are designed to lift and move entire prefabricated structures, streamlining the manufacturing and logistics process. “It’s about enabling companies to move their products more efficiently, from factory to final delivery,” McVicar said.

Combilift’s commitment to durability and sustainability also came under the spotlight. “We design machines that last over 20 years, reducing waste and offering long-term value,” McVicar said. “Our focus on space-saving and efficiency also helps reduce carbon footprints.”

Safety a Key Priority

McVicar emphasised the importance of safety in materials handling, particularly in the Australian market. “Safety is a top concern for businesses here, and our solutions are designed to meet that need,” he said. “Our machines not only save space but also allow customers to handle their products more safely, both on-site and during transport.”

He noted that Combilift’s range has expanded significantly since its inception. “Initially, we focused on handling long products with multidirectional forklifts. Today, our offerings include solutions for palletised goods and finished modular buildings,” he said.

Early Involvement in Planning

McVicar also highlighted the benefits of early collaboration in factory design. “The earlier we’re involved in the planning process, the better we can optimise layouts and workflows. This often results in significant cost and space savings for our customers,” he said.

He explained how Combilift provides free consultancy services to help companies maximise the efficiency of their operations. “From layout optimisation to advising on structural changes, we aim to ensure a seamless flow of materials,” McVicar said.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, McVicar said, “We’ve achieved a lot in 21 years, but there’s still so much potential in this market. Offsite construction is only just starting to take off here, and we’re excited to be part of that growth.”

See: Combilift