Forklift maker Combilift is to create 200 new jobs in Monaghan over the next five years as part of a €40m investment.
The Irish company has recently purchased 40 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Monaghan bypass with plans to build a 40,000 sq meter greenfield global HQ and manufacturing facility with a devoted R&D building.
The company, which was established in Clontibret in Monaghan in 1998 by engineers Martin MacVicar and RobertMoffett, has grown to be a global leader in the long-load handling market.
Its 10 core products can be found in over 75 markets worldwide where over 20,000 units are in operation.
The company invests 7pc of its turnover in R&D.
Combilift is best known for its wide range of multi-directional forklifts, Aisle-Master articulated forklifts and other innovative material handling solutions such as the Combilift Straddle Carrier, designed to handle large containers and over-sized loads.
Committed to organic growth
“With this greenfield investment and sufficient industrial-zoned land available on the new site for future expansion, Combilift are committed to continuing its organic growth in Monaghan for many years to come,” MacVicar said.
In addition to the new jobs that are being created, Combilift on behalf of the mid-Tier Irish engineering companies is in the process of submitting an Apprenticeship Application to accredit its employees and employees of other Irish engineering companies as ‘Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) technician.
MacVicar said: “This apprenticeship course plans to educate technicians to be competent in hydraulics, electrics, and troubleshooting diagnostics.”
He said that Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board is prepared to pilot the new apprenticeship scheme and that this was a strong factor in deciding on the location of the new greenfield manufacturing operation.
“Supporting recovery in the regions is behind this fantastic announcement today of an additional 200 jobs in Combilift and a further 200 construction related jobs,” said Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD.
“It is growing and dynamic Irish companies like Combilift which are driving a recovery across Ireland’s regions. Combilift’s new €40m facility in Monaghan will make a profound difference to the local economy and the national export economy.”
