Bunnings has received the 100,001st Combilift unit as demand grows for safer and more efficient equipment across Australian warehouses, logistics providers and food and beverage manufacturing sites.
Material handling company Combilift has reached a production milestone with the manufacture of its 100,000th forklift, marking almost three decades of growth from its facility in Co Monaghan, Ireland.
Australia features in this milestone, with Bunnings taking delivery of the next unit, a CBE3000 electric multidirectional model, at its Mentone site. The handover was made by Combilift chief executive officer and co founder Martin McVicar and Australia country manager Chris Littlewood, supported by Australian partner Adaptalift.
“Reaching 100,000 units is a milestone for our global team, but it’s also a testament to our Australian customers,” McVicar said.
“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.”
Bunnings has used Combilift equipment for more than two decades and was one of the earliest Australian adopters, purchasing one of the first ten machines imported into the country. It now operates a national fleet. Bunnings was also the prompt for Combilift to develop the Combi WR pedestrian operated walkie reach in 2011.
“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.
“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 Combilift’s fifth largest market, with Adaptalift supporting its presence across supply chains, agriculture and heavy industry. Several of Combilift’s developments originated in Australia, including the walkie reach, created in response to a safety and manoeuvrability issue raised by Bunnings.
“Australian operations are facing pressure on space, labour and emissions,” Littlewood said.
“Multidirectional and electric forklifts address all three challenges simultaneously, by improving safety in tight aisles, cutting operating emissions and unlocking floor space.”
The CBE3000 delivered to Bunnings reflects a broader shift toward electric fleets in Australian operations, driven by lower emissions and noise, reduced operating costs, sustainability goals and improved indoor air quality. Electric multidirectional forklifts can create up to 50 per cent more storage space through narrow aisle design and side loading, while offering improved load stability for long or bulky goods and reducing collision risk.
Celebrating its production milestone, Combilift has launched a global competition offering the chance to win the 100,000th unit, a special-edition multidirectional 3-tonne electric forklift, with all proceeds donated to UNICEF Ireland’s Children’s Emergency Fund. More information can be found at https://combilift.com/win-a-truck/.
For more information, please visit https://combilift.com/