The Irish Steel Association, as part of its 2025 Regional Events Series, successfully hosted the latest edition, ‘Connecting through Collaboration’ in Monaghan during the last week in March. The event, co-hosted by Combilift and McAree Engineering, brought together 178 businesses from across Ireland to engage in valuable discussions on industry collaboration and supply chain relationships at Combilift’s Monaghan Headquarters.

The event highlighted the longstanding partnership between McAree Engineering and Combilift, which dates back to Combilift’s establishment in 1998. Attendees gained insights into how strong supply chain relationships contribute to business growth, innovation, and resilience within the steel and engineering sectors.

The event included factory tours of both Combilift and McAree Engineering, showcasing the best of Monaghan manufacturing expertise.  

Speaking at the event, representatives from both McAree Engineering and Combilift emphasised the importance of trust and innovation in maintaining successful long-term partnerships.   

Martin McVicar outlined the rise in USA domestic steel prices, reflecting the 25% tariffs placed on steel imports will likely to have repercussions for the price of steel in Europe. He shared Combilifts approach of giving the market certainty by holding Combilift production prices for American customers during 2025. 

Barret Steels’, Tony Corrie updated the crowd gathered on the latest information in relation to “Green Steel” as the steel manufacturing sector look to cut its carbon footprint.

Combilift's Martin McVicar said, "When the opportunity arose to showcase the best in supply chain relationships, it made sense for ourselves and McAree Engineering, who we have worked with since the very first Combilift machine was made, to make this day happen. It was great to see companies from the length and breadth of Ireland attend and see how our great teams work together."

Vincent McAree, Operations Director, McAree Engineering,  added, "it was great to able to demonstrate to companies all over Ireland what makes business in Monaghan so successful; agility, innovation, hard work and collaboration"

The event also provided attendees with a platform to network, share industry knowledge, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. Sandra Byrne, President of Irish Steel, said, "We were delighted to be able to offer our members such an exciting opportunity to visit Combilift and McAree Engineering, both leading companies in their own specific sectors, to learn how they work together collaboratively in a supply chain relationship to deliver on Combilift’s vision of Lifting innovation.  Our members have been blown away by what they have seen in both companies."