Tech startups and multinational corporations get a lot of business attention in Ireland, but companies like FJS Joinery Solutions and DWK are the backbone of the economy in rural Ireland, which is a valued employer of a crew of loyal and highly skilled staff for over 30 years. Recently, I made the trip to Edenderry, County Offaly, to visit FJS Joinery Solutions and DWK Kitchens to welcome them as new members of IWIN . From the moment I arrived, their knowledgeable team gave me a warm welcome. Their showroom is impressive, showcasing everything from beautifully crafted traditional in-frame kitchens to sleek, modern designs. As Tom Glynn , the owner, explained, they aim to offer something for everyone, no matter the taste or budget. Tom gave me an excellent tour of the factory, giving me a real sense of what makes this company successful. It comes down to two key things: first, a commitment to investing in the business by upgrading technology and improving working conditions and second, a focus on building a strong team. This was clear from the showroom staff to the workshop team, where everyone was hard at work, keeping productivity high. Tom is supported by his sons, Ryan and Ross, ensuring the company has a bright future. FJS and DWK Kitchens are in a strong position, serving both private residential customers through their kitchen business and the commercial interiors market with their bespoke joinery capabilities. This balance allows them to stay adaptable and resilient in changing markets. What stands out most is their focus on customer satisfaction. From the moment a customer steps into the showroom to the installation and aftercare, everything is done with the customer experience in mind. This is reflected in their excellent reviews, feedback, and strong word-of-mouth referrals. I’m excited to see how FJS and DWK grow in the coming years and hope that IWIN can support their journey in any way possible.

*New Member Announcement* I’m really pleased to welcome Mark Lohan, and the team at MLK Mark Lohan Kitchens to IWIN! For over 25 years, MLK has been helping people create their dream kitchens. From designing to manufacturing and fitting, their hand-crafted kitchens are all about quality and style. With showrooms in Galway and Roscommon, they work closely with their customers to bring their ideas to life with personalised 3D designs. More recently, MLK has branched out into the contract market and carried out significant projects overseas, demonstrating an ambition for international growth. Mark is making a big name for himself in the kitchen industry. Visiting his factory, it’s obvious how much care and attention goes into every detail, with a real focus on quality, precision and craftsmanship. The setup there is really impressive, with some of the most modern machinery and automation around. Though, what impressed me the most was Mark's energy and drive to expand the business in a sustainable and methodical way. As Mark himself stated, "The pace of growth must not compromise the customer experience." This commitment to keeping the customer at the center of everything at MLK has been crucial to the company's long-term success and will continue to serve as a guiding principle for future plans. I look forward to seeing where Mark will take the business next. Rest assured, it will be exciting to follow as he works on expanding the retail, contract, and export sides of his business.

I’m delighted to welcome Niall Otoole and the team at Topopal Ltd to the IWIN network! On a recent visit to their factory, I was given a very warm welcome and got to see first-hand the fantastic work they’re doing. Topopal, an Irish-owned company, specialises in the manufacture and installation of laboratory, cleanroom, and workspace furniture, supporting sectors like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, and technology. In addition to this, they’ve recently expanded their product range to include kitchens and worktops, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to meeting diverse customer needs. It’s inspiring to see the second generation of the business driving it forward with such energy and focus. The progress they’ve made in recent years has been outstanding, and it’s clear they’re on track to achieve even greater success. A brand new Biesse CNC was being commissioned by Maginn Machinery on the day I was there so they certainly gearing up to grow their productivity. Welcome to the network, Niall and the team – I’m excited about the opportunities for collaboration and growth ahead!

When siblings work together in a family business, people often think it’s a recipe for conflict. But in my experience, when they’re on the same page and share a vision, they can make fierce progress. EMP Furniture is a great example of this. Based in Williamstown, Co. Galway, EMP Furniture Manufacturers Ltd has been making beautiful, custom-made furniture since 1981. They’ve become a go-to name for furniture in schools, hotels, and hospitals across Ireland. One thing that stood out to me when learning about EMP Furniture is the immaculate presentation of their business. From their modern reception and office spaces to a workshop where everything has a place and everything is in its place. This focus on efficiency and organisation has helped them create a highly productive and impressive operation. Their commitment to investing in the growth and long-term future of the business is evident in their willingness to embrace new technology, machinery and production processes. They take pride in doing everything in-house—whether it’s general joinery, finishing, postforming, or solid surface processing—allowing them to offer a complete solution to their clients. On a side note, brothers Derek Deane , Adrian Deane , and Mervyn Deane are avid rally enthusiasts, participating in rallies across Ireland. Over the years, their passion for rallying has helped them build strong friendships and business connections within that community, which has also played a role in growing their business. EMP Furniture is proof that when families pull together, they can achieve amazing things. If you haven’t already, check out their work here: www.empfurniture.ie

This post highlights the remarkable journey of Timeless Sash Windows , a company that faced a devastating fire two years ago, leading to the destruction of the entire factory. Despite this adversity, Timeless Sash has emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. The owner, Barry Callaghan embodies the spirit of resilience, drive, and ambition, guiding the company towards a successful recovery. Witnessing the brand-new facility, the cutting-edge machinery in operation and the dedicated staff in full flow is fantastic to see given their setback. Barry's focus on not just recovery but also on future growth and international expansion sets a promising path ahead for the company. Supported by a skilled workforce of over 60 individuals, there is an obvious collective vision to elevate the company to new heights. Additionally, Timeless Sash operates a separate refurbishment factory nearby, where century-old sash windows and doors are meticulously restored to their original grandeur. Alan Farrell, their production manager, oversees every detail with precision and commitment to save and restore as much original timber, glass and hardware as possible. In every successful company I’ve visited in the IWIN network, there’s one thing that really stands out: the owners and managers are always eager to grow and are genuinely optimistic about the future. There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success, but that mix of drive and belief seems to be the perfect starting point. Once that spark is there, they find ways to overcome challenges and make things happen. This is abundantly evident in Timeless Sash and they are set to continue their strong growth trajectory well into the future.