Monaghan-based firm Combilift, which specialises in forklift manufacturing, is to create 25 jobs in 2011 to meet demand for its products worldwide.
Combilift made the announcement in Dusseldorf yesterday, when Richard Bruton, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, visited Germany.
The new jobs announcement is due to the growing demand for the company’s products globally, and particularly in Germany, where it increased by 20pc.
Making the announcement, managing director of Combilift, Martin McVicar, said, “Due to the current buoyancy of the German economy and the number of other Combilift export markets, we are looking to increase the number of our workforce from 175 to 200 in the coming year, and thereby create an extra 25 employment opportunities in the Monaghan area.
“Germany is our third-largest market after the UK and the USA, and the potential for sales in this major economy continues to rise. Continuous developments of new products according to the needs of the market enabled us to achieve record sales last year, and we estimate that 2011 will see a 20pc increase on the 2010 figures, representing €8m worth of sales in Germany.
Combilift, which was established in 1998, manufactures a range of innovative four-way forklifts designed as a solution for the safe and space-saving handling of long and awkward loads.
Enterprise Ireland has worked with Combilift to help the company access export markets across the globe. There are now more than 14,000 Combilift units in operation internationally, all of which are developed, designed and built at the company’s manufacturing facility and HQ based in Co Monaghan.
Bruton congratulated Combilift, saying, “Combilift is an Irish manufacturing firm that, being rooted in innovation, continues to outstrip international competition, continues to manufacture in Ireland and continues to provide valuable employment in the border region.
Enterprise Ireland CEO Frank Ryan said, “Combilift’s products are innovative, high quality and based on engineering excellence. With these ingredients, Combilift has become a global leader in its field. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with Combilift to help it continue its global success.”
