Combilift Rides Data Centre Boom to 10-12% US Market Share Growth

Combilift, an Irish-based forklift manufacturer, is experiencing significant growth in its US exports due to strong demand from companies like Tesla and Google. The company's chief executive, Martin McVicar, expects a 10-12% increase in US market share this year.

This growth can be attributed to the data centre construction boom, which has created a surge in demand for steel fabricators and companies like Combilift. Companies such as Tesla are using Combilift's straddle carriers to move heavy battery packs, while Google is utilizing their smaller forklift trucks to transport components.

Combilift has been able to offset the negative impact of US tariffs on steel products by passing them entirely onto its US customers this year. The company has also seen a significant increase in investment in artificial intelligence, which has contributed to its success.

The data centre construction boom is not limited to Combilift; several Irish companies have benefited from it. Construction companies such as John Paul and Sisk are involved in the construction of European centres, while CRH has been capitalizing on the US boom.