Plant Equipment and Hire June 2018 | Page 21

MANUFACTURING Combilift is a significant employer within Monaghan, with, according to McVicar, many of its 550 employees coming from a farming background. The company has hired 230 more people in the past three years, with another 200 jobs in the pipeline now that the new EUR50- million Research & Development and Testing Centre is up and running. McVicar says that looking ahead, the biggest challenge for the company is the uncertainty of Brexit, as about 10% of its workforce live in Northern Ireland and 98% of what Combilift produces is exported, with a quarter of its products going to the UK. With its hands-on approach, and bespoke equipment design, Combilift’s success is assured as the factory continues to manufacture the range of high-quality material handling products that are appreciated and sought after, way beyond the green Irish hills. ■ A UV light is used to illuminate any oil leaks once the machine is assembled — one of numerous, detailed tests that are undertaken during the production process. JUNE 2018 19