Combilift was established in 1998 by Martin McVicar and Robert Moffett. The principals, both engineers, founded Combilift on the basis of over 40 years combined engineering experience and a perceived need in the market for an ultimate long-load material handling solution. From this experience and perceived market need was created the Combilift, the invention of the two founders of Combilift. The Combilift is the world's first engine-powered all-wheel-drive multi-directional materials handling device, a combination of forklift and side-loader. The Combilift was one of the reasons Martin McVicar was awarded the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" award in 2001 in Ireland.