In a strategic development, Kanoo Machinery UAE and KSA has announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Combilift, one of the largest global manufacturers of multidirectional, sideloading, and articulated forklifts, in a move that will see the two revolutionise material handling in Saudi Arabia.

 

Ireland-based Combilift is a global leader in material handling equipment manufacturing and is renowned for its innovative and versatile solutions, capable of handling loads up to 150 tonnes, while Kanoo Machinery UAE and KSA 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.

 

It 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. 

 

Through its cutting-edge technologies, Combilift helps customers optimize their operations while significantly reducing their environmental impact. 

 

"This partnership exemplifies 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," remarked Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Deputy Chairman of YBA Kanoo and President of Kanoo Industrial and Energy, at the signing ceremony held at the Irish Embassy in Riyadh.

 

The event was supported by Enterprise Ireland, the government’s enterprise development agency dedicated to nurturing the growth of Irish-owned companies. 

 

"With decades of dedication to different manufacturing industries YBA Kanoo has supported sustainable innovations to reduce the carbon footprint of the region," stated Abdulla Kanoo. 

 

"We are always committed to aligning with the Saudi Green initiatives, strengthening practices that not only optimize 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," he added. 

 

Elaborating further, Fahad Fawzi Kanoo, the Vice President of Kanoo Industrial and Energy and CEO of the Kanoo Group, said the 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," he added.

 

Together, Combilift and Kanoo Machinery KSA are setting new standards for material handling solutions in the Middle East, providing innovations that meet diverse industry needs while supporting environmental goals.

 

"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," he stated. 

 

"This design philosophy not only maximizes 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 YBA Kanoo while supporting the Saudi Green Initiative," he added.

 

Nick Lojevec, Combilift Business Director Middle East said: "Over the past 15 years, our alliance with YBA Kanoo has become a vital part of our strategy in the Middle East. This new partnership agreement is not just a milestone - it's a leap forward in our mission to innovate and expand within the Saudi Arabian and UAE market."

 

"Having YBA Kanoo as our local partner is crucial; their profound regional insight and support are indispensable as we strive to deliver exceptional, innovative solutions to our customers," he added.

 

To assist companies in achieving more sustainable warehousing, manufacturing and storage, Combilift and Kanoo Machinery UAE & KSA have agreed to also offer a complimentary warehouse and storage planning consultancy service. 

 

This service helps clients visualize how to utilize their current space more effectively, employing strategies such as narrowing aisles and using higher pallet racks to increase storage capacity and improve workflow efficiency.

 

"Enterprise Ireland client companies are seeing ample opportunities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and wider Arab region," remarked Hani Belbaisi, the Senior Market Advisor at Enterprise Ireland Mena.

 

"The signing with Kanoo Group marks a significant milestone for Combilift in the region and we are delighted to support Combilift as they continue to grow across the Middle East," he added.

 

Kanoo Machinery is one of the leading equipment solution providers in the Gulf. For over 50 years, since its establishment in the early 1960s, it has been catering to diverse industrial sectors with a wide range of equipment and consumables from the world’s leading manufacturers of materials handling, industrial & maintenance products.-TradeArabia News Service