If you snapped Martin McVicar in half, he’d have Combilift written right through – that essentially sums up a man, who at 35 years old has already achieved remarkable success by a mixture of engineering aptitude, astute business sense and sheer determination to succeed.

In fairness it must also be said that his partner in Combilift, Robert Moffett, the inventor of the eponymous lorry-mounted forklift truck, has played a massive part in this story, but for sheer drive and enthusiasm Martin McVicar takes some beating.

“I come from a farming background and always expected to carry on with farming,” Martin explained. “The truth of it is that I probably enjoyed the mechanics more than anything else. I had no real interest in university but my careers counsellor suggested going for mechanical engineering, so I got a summer job in July 1987, working for Moffett.”

Enthusiasm

Martin enjoyed the engineering work at Moffett and became a full-time employee, soon showing his enthusiasm. “I persuaded them to let me into the drawing office by designing a new differential block over a weekend, presenting a three-page proposal.

“Within two years I was managing the design office and became engineering manager, then I headed up R&D, before travelling internationally to see customers – this made me realise that there’s a huge market out there. I always worked as if it was my own business.”

During this time Martin was constantly coming up with new designs and a four-way truck was always at the forefront of his mind.

By 1998 the business was sold and during the next few months the Combilift plan began to formulate. “The Moffett sale agreement excluded any future development of lorry-mounted trucks by Robert for some years, so this forced us to concentrate on a ground forklift model. After many discussions, I persuaded Robert that the market existed – in fact, I said it was bigger than for lorry-mounted units, so we decided to take on an old Moffett factory unit and commence trials.”

So, at 26 years old Martin McVicar was in business and by July 1998 the first truck was built; three were shipped to Norway in that first year. “The first Combilift still operates just down the road [from the factory] and is going well,” said Martin. “But in a way it was easier selling abroad, because customers think you must be big to even try.”

&#8220The first Combilift still operates just down the road and is going well”

By the end of the year Combilift had sold and delivered 18 units. Growth since then has been incredible, with 1,500 sold in 2006 and 1,750 projected for this year.

The Combilift range is now sold across the world with large growth in Russia, the Far East and many other places, including some quite unusual sites. “The Canary Islands has over 30 Combilifts and you’d be amazed where else they crop up,” said Martin.

Working holidays

Some of these sales have more to do with Martin’s endless enthusiasm and his wife Pauline has seen many holidays turn into a one-man Combilift sales campaign. “The Norway sale was also our first holiday and after one of the Ligna shows we went to the Canadian west coast, so I followed up a lead and got a nice order one Saturday on Vancouver Island.”

Needless to say when it came to their wedding in 2003, Pauline made the honeymoon arrangements. They went to Barbados but that didn’t stop Martin. “I spotted three potential customers and sold one within six weeks. I think Pauline accepted my reasoning when I said it would help pay for a second honeymoon.”

The new Combilift factory opened in 2006, with a state-of-the-art office and design centre. The production lines run a variety of different models but even then customers’ specific requests are always catered for. “We’re always prepared to customise and see ourselves as a ‘can do’ company,” said Martin, who continued, “we offer a full site layout for potential customers as well, so that they can see just how much more efficient a Combilift will be.”

The current range includes a wide variety of weights and sizes up to 12 tonnes, using diesel, LPG and battery power systems, with rough terrain and telescopic options, as well as track-guided systems.

Touring the factory with Martin just proves that his enthusiasm is unstoppable; any finished product is an irresistible attraction and opportunity for him to prove the amazing flexibility of Combilifts, as he whizzes around, deftly showing their capability.

Outside work there’s a serious side as well, demonstrated in Martin’s work for a variety of social schemes including fledgling credit clubs and other initiatives that will help people. Combilift may be a huge part of Martin McVicar’s life, but there’s a soul there too.