Irish Wood & Interiors Network

We help companies engaged in the design and manufacture of wood-based products and interior solutions by providing support with...


  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Business Development
  • Collaboration & Networking


Latest News

By Gareth Sherry 20 Sep, 2024
IWIN Welcomes Elite Woodworking as Our New Sponsor! We are delighted to announce that Elite Woodworking, a leading supplier of high-performance woodworking machinery in Ireland, has joined IWIN as our newest sponsor! Elite Woodworking is known for providing top-tier equipment and innovative solutions for the woodworking industry, offering a wide range of machinery that helps businesses achieve precision, efficiency, and excellent results in wood processing. About Elite Woodworking With years of experience in the industry, Elite Woodworking specializes in supplying advanced machinery tailored to the needs of both small workshops and large-scale manufacturing operations. Their extensive product range includes: CNC Routers Edge Banders Panel Saws Spindle Moulders These machines are designed to optimise productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance the quality of woodworking processes. By partnering with top international manufacturers, Elite Woodworking ensures that their customers have access to the latest technology, backed by reliable service and technical support. Why This Partnership is Important for IWIN At IWIN, we are dedicated to fostering connections that benefit our members and enhance the value we bring to the Irish woodworking and manufacturing sectors. By partnering with Elite Woodworking, we can provide our community with access to cutting-edge machinery that helps businesses streamline their operations and achieve new levels of success. Elite Woodworking’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions aligns perfectly with IWIN's goal of promoting excellence in the woodworking industry. Their sponsorship will allow us to expand our reach, offering exclusive insights into the latest industry trends and technologies to our members. Looking Ahead This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration between IWIN and Elite Woodworking. We are confident that with their support, we will continue to grow and provide invaluable resources to the Irish woodworking community. Whether you’re a business looking to upgrade your equipment or a workshop owner seeking to improve efficiency, Elite Woodworking has the tools and expertise to help you succeed. To learn more about their range of products and services, visit the Elite Woodworking page on the IWIN website here - https://www.iwin.ie/elite-woodworking 
By Janine Vernon 22 Jun, 2023
IWIN London Build Expo 2023 The Irish Wood and Interiors Network would like to invite Irish Manufacturers in the Wood and Interiors Sector to showcase your product and portfolios on the IWIN stand at the London Build Expo 2023 . This is an excellent opportunity to meet with people in the London Contract market and to network, with both key stakeholders and your peers. IWIN are delighted to afford this opportunity to Irish businesses supported by the IWIN team and Enterprise Ireland. Spaces are limited - Book now - info@iwin.ie
By Janine Vernon 15 Jun, 2023
TU Dublin GradX 2023 IWIN were delighted to be asked to evaluate students' work at GradX, the Graduate Exhibition of TU Dublin School of Art and Design, BA Interior / Furniture Design programme (TU975). On behalf of IWIN, a panel of four judges arrived at GradX to view and discuss the work of the students. The panel were: Enda McGonigle from Sofa Source ; Joe Friel from WoodConnect ; Gareth Sherry from IWIN and Sean Philips from OVVO . All four were extremely impressed with the quality and variety of work on display. In particular, the noted the quality of concepts and engagement with very current issue for the furniture, design and production industries. The panel were tasked to award under two broad categories (1) Innovation and (2) Commerciality. The panel were unanimous that more than two projects deserved recognition. Two awards were presented in each category with each recipient receiving a 100 Euro one-for-all voucher and a one year membership of IWIN. All the projects and eight others will be featured on the TU Dublin & IWIN stand at the IFHS show from 2nd to 4th July. GradX is the highlight of the academic year for students and staff and affords students the opportunity to showcase their imagination, hard work and creativity. IWIN are very keen to build connections and relationships between our industry and education institutes. Linking the future drivers of our industry is so important towards our members' long-term success. Pictured above L-R are: Enda McGonigle from Sofa Source; Joe Friel of WoodConnect; Laura McSweeney - most innovative project / sustainability - (Design for disassembly); Carmina Smali - most innovative project / materials and technology - (Minim Range); Gareth Sherry of IWIN and Sean Phillips of OVVO. The other winners were Eoin Colfer and Cara Brennan in the category of most commercial potential . Our huge thanks to Peter McCann, Lecturer interior and Furniture Design at TU Dublin for his warm welcome. Pictured below L-R are: Minim - Carmina Smali. Minim is a project that researches the principle of modernism with the aim of creating simple, interesting, functional and, above all sustainable products. Designers are responsible for what they produce and the decisions they make. Precisely for this reason, having a product that performs multiple functions and, at the same time, takes the environment into consideration, can be considered one more step towards a more sustainable future. Minim offers a series of lamps that will illuminate your home. Lamps that are different from each other, but which have the common task of lasting longer, having simple and natural materials such as wood, or the possibility of reusing components or washing them. The different shapes and appearances of the lamps thus offer a variety for every taste to the customer. Minim is a project that minimises forms but maximises functionality. Design for Disassembly - Laura MacSweeney. This collection of furniture was designed as take-apart technology. The collection consists of three individual materials. This material can be manipulated in multiple ways creating surfaces and texture. For structural purposes, waste mild steel, also known as conduit, was used as well as locally sourced ash hardwood allowing for repetition of curved edges throughout the collection. Where fixing was required, mechanical fasteners known a rivet or mild steel pins were used. The rivets are countersunk mild steel so can easily be recycled amongst the mild steel used. This allows for disassembly and transportation of large products. A Set of Self Assembly Furniture - Eoin Colfer. The tension bench and sideboard have been designed to be simple and intuitive to assemble and disassemble for use in contemporary domestic interiors. The legs of the bench can be slotted into position without the need for glue, screws, nails or any joinery. The bench is held together by weight and the addition of tension. A rope runs over the top of the furniture and looping through the legs, using the tensioner mechanism underneath the user can tighten the bench twisting the mechanism clockwise. Using tension the piece of furniture becomes solid. With the straight forward instructions both the bench and sideboard can be assembled and taken apart in minutes. Chameleon Unit - Cara Brennan. The product designed is a modular storage system consisting of small cubic modules. The modules can be used singularly or can be combined to create storage systems or units. The product is offered in 2 depth options, while the width and height are dictated by the number of combined modules, making its size variable and specific to the needs of the user. The modules can be undivided, have a singular dividing shelf or two drawers. The main aspect of the design is the varied options for the finished aesthetic. Custom sized exterior panels are attached to the sides, top and bottom of the storage unit. The panels are available in varied styles, such as modern, art deco, Victorian and more. The panels can simply be detached and replaced with new panels in a different style. This allows the user to keep this piece of furniture throughout any interior décor changes. The option for the modules to have doors is also available and there are a range of additional elements to accentuate the furniture in each style such as varied leg and handle options. These features make the design flexible and increases the life of the furniture, thereby making this a sustainable and consumer customisable product.
By Janine Vernon 15 May, 2023
Circular Business Models & Production for furniture manufacturers In case you missed it, you can catch up on our Webinar here . You can also view the slides from our webinar:  Environmental Protection Agency Anois International Systems Circular Design Institute The webinar will provide... An overview on why circular processes and business models are relevant to you. A first-hand account from IWIN members who have started implementing circular business models and production. An overview of how you can improve waste reduction and material reuse in your company today. The webinar is the culmination of the learning and progress made as part of IWIN's government funded Circular Upholstery Textile Project , which commenced in 2022. Organisations speaking at the event include: IWIN The Circular Design Institute The Environmental Protection Agency Anois International Synergies Finline Furniture Respa Beds Sofasource
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Who should join IWIN?

Our Sponsors

We are grateful to our sponsors for their continued support of IWIN activities.

WHY JOIN IWIN?

Benefits for Members

Expand Your Network

Networking and collaboration with peers, customers, suppliers and competitors, locally, nationally and internationally, leading to sharper competitiveness and opportunities for coopetition.

Funding and Advice

Advice and guidance in applying for various grant funding, innovation grants, marketing assessment grants, state body grants, and EU funded grants.

Export Guidance

Assistance with establishing export markets and access to relevant resources for same.

Supply Chain Opportunities

Source new product or attract new customers with improved integration and exposure in the industry.

Education & Skills

Training from industry experts and consultants around lean manufacturing, circular economy, innovation, and export opportunities

Resources

Access relevant resources and mentorship in areas such as legal, compliance, emerging trends, technology, materials and more.

Supported by

This project is supported as part of the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), Enterprise Ireland and ATU.

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