GCC machinery heavyweight Kanoo Machinery and global logistics and warehousing equipment major Combilift have signed a partnership agreement to provide sustainable forklifting solutions in the region.
The signing ceremony between Kanoo Machinery UAE and KSA, and Ireland-based Combilift took place at the Irish Embassy in Riyadh and was supported by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s enterprise development agency dedicated to nurturing the growth of Irish-owned companies.
Kanoo Machinery is a member of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group (YBA Kanoo), one of the largest independent family-owned multinationals in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Combilift, meanwhile, is the largest global manufacturer of multidirectional, sideloading and articulated forklifts.
The two parties termed the partnership as exemplifying a shared dedication to innovation and sustainability, guaranteeing that the material handling solutions not only address the varied industry needs in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East but also foster positive contributions to the region’s environmental goals.
Kanoo committed to green initiatives
Commenting on the exclusive partnership, Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Deputy Chairman of YBA Kanoo and President of Kanoo Industrial and Energy, said: “With decades of dedication to different manufacturing industries, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group has supported sustainable innovations to reduce the carbon footprint of the region. We are always committed to aligning with the Saudi Green initiatives, strengthening practices that not only optimise efficiency but also serve the environment. Together with Combilift, we embark on a journey to redefine industry standards, delivering innovative solutions that cater to customers’ expectations.”
Fahad Fawzi Kanoo, Vice-President of Kanoo Industrial and Energy, and CEO of the Kanoo Group, added: “Kanoo Group has consistently been at the forefront of sustainable innovations, and this partnership emphasises the shared dedication of Kanoo Group and Combilift to offering sustainable solutions that address the industrial requirements of GCC regions. We are constantly reviewing the milestones we have set in line with the industry benchmarks and fostering a more environmentally conscious future in the Middle East.”
Kanoo Machinery KSA is a leading figure in Saudi Arabia’s diverse business sectors, and champions sustainable business practices that align with the Saudi Green Initiative—a national effort to reduce emissions, preserve natural resources, and enhance the quality of life. Ireland-based Combilift is a global leader in material handling equipment manufacturing and is well known for its innovative and versatile solutions, capable of handling loads up to 150 tonnes. Through its cutting-edge technologies, Combilift helps customers optimize their operations while significantly reducing their environmental impact.
Maximising efficiency
Combilift enables customers to maximise storage efficiency and operational effectiveness without expanding their existing facilities. This approach helps clients avoid unnecessary greenfield expansion and reduces energy consumption and associated costs, such as cooling or heating, lighting and maintenance. Combilift’s equipment is designed to fulfil multiple roles both indoors and out, minimising fleet size and thereby further reducing carbon footprints. The company offers electric and I.C. powered trucks and ensures that its diesel and LPG engines meet the strictest emissions and efficiency guidelines.
Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift, said: “At Combilift, we are not just creating efficient material handling solutions; we are pioneering sustainability in the industry. With over 70% of our forklifts now electric-powered and 92% of our components recyclable, we are committed to dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and those of our clients. This design philosophy not only maximises operational efficiency but also aligns perfectly with our environmental goals. As we introduce these technologies to Saudi Arabia, we are excited about the potential to transform material handling across the region with our local partner while supporting the Saudi Green Initiative.”
To assist companies in achieving more sustainable warehousing, manufacturing and storage, the two parties agreed to also offer a complimentary warehouse and storage planning consultancy service. This service helps clients visualise how to utilise their current space more effectively, employing strategies such as narrowing aisles and using higher pallet racks to increase storage capacity and improve workflow efficiency.