INDUSTRY NEWS
Combilift CEO and Co-Founder, Martin McVicar, with Kareen Farrell( winner of the 100,000th Combi-CBE“ Golden Forklift”).
Combilift with UNICEF Ireland.
Combilift raises € 100,000 for children
Global materials handling specialist, Combilift, has celebrated a major manufacturing milestone by transforming its 100,000th forklift into a powerful force for good. The company has raised and donated € 100,000 to the United Nations International Children’ s Emergency Fund to support children in crisis worldwide.
To mark the production of its 100,000th forklift, Combilift launched its largestever worldwide competition, offering the exclusive 100,000th“ Golden Prize” multidirectional Combi-CBE. All proceeds raised were donated to UNICEF Ireland’ s Children’ s Emergency Fund.
The campaign generated € 56,500 in ticket sales and, at a cheque presentation ceremony, Combilift announced that it had topped up the total contribution to
€ 100,000, underlining the company’ s longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Speaking at the handover, Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said:“ This campaign was designed not only to celebrate a major manufacturing achievement for Combilift, but also to make a meaningful difference beyond the factory floor. By supporting UNICEF, we are supporting one of the world’ s most effective humanitarian organisations and helping children who need it most.”
The cheque was formally presented by Martin McVicar to Owen Buckley, UNICEF Ireland’ s Head of Corporate Partnerships, and Michaela Plunkett, Business Development Manager, in Monaghan.
Owen Buckley welcomed the donation, saying:“ As we enter the winter season, our priority is ensuring children affected by war and natural disasters have access to warm clothing, safe shelter and continued education. This generous contribution from Combilift will help UNICEF respond quickly to urgent needs.”
The winning ticket was purchased by Kareen Farrell, who travelled to Combilift’ s headquarters in Monaghan( Ireland) to receive the one-of-a-kind 100,000th Combi- CBE“ Golden Forklift.”
The Golden Forklift was first unveiled at the IMHX Exhibition in the UK before embarking on a European trade show tour last year. n
www
. combilift. com
Export growth for Bridgnorth Aluminium
Above: Bridgnorth Aluminium’ s headquarters in Bridgenorth, Shropshire, UK.
Above: Recruitment activities at Bridgnorth Aluminium.
The UK’ s last remaining producer of flatrolled aluminium coils is set to buck difficult economic conditions by returning to 24 / 7 operations in key process areas. This will be the first time in three years that Bridgnorth Aluminium has reached these production levels. It expects this to create new employment opportunities in the town of Bridgnorth and nearby areas.
“ Aluminium is taking on a far greater significance and profile as we move towards Net Zero, with the material ideally suited for recycling, lightweighting and for use in batteries and renewable power generation,” explained Adrian Musgrave, Commercial Director, Bridgnorth Aluminium.
“ Thanks to recent investments, our strong technical teams and ongoing training for staff, we are in a really good position to take advantage, with strong export growth expected. The U. S., in particular, is a market that offers plenty of potential despite the tariffs imposed by Trump. That’ s because we still have a tariff advantage and can offer customers
access to material and technologies that they can’ t get domestically.”
Bridgnorth Aluminium, which employs 330 people across its expansive 66-acre site, has a long track record of developing a local supply chain and employing apprentices and trainees. According to Adrian Musgrave, the company is a major employer and significant exporter, investing heavily in supplying‘ green’ aluminium to some of the UK’ s fastest growing markets.
It has recently thrown its weight behind a pioneering scheme to support charities and community groups across the county, signing up to the‘ Shropshire Investors in Community’ scheme run by Shropshire Community Foundation. By becoming a member, the company will contribute to work that supports charities and grassroots organisations throughout 2026. n
www. bridgnorthaluminium. co. uk
ISMR February 2026 | ismr. net | 13