ATU Connemara

Recently, I had the privilege of touring the exceptional facilities of Atlantic Technological University (Letterfrack), thanks to Paul Leamy, Paddy Tobin, and Dermot O'Donovan. Situated against the stunning backdrop of Diamond Hill in Connemara, Letterfrack has been a cornerstone of the wood and interiors industry since the 80s. While traditionally associated with woodcraft, present-day graduates are now industry-ready with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, prepared to excel in a competitive manufacturing landscape.

At Letterfrack, students are trained on the latest industry technologies, including 5-axis CNCs, Alphacam, and BIM, along with training in sustainable manufacturing processes. Graduates are in high demand, often taking on key roles in leading companies such as MJM Marine, Specialist Group - Joinery | Glass | Metal , and Farrell Furniture to name a few. As the manager of IWIN, I strongly recommend members of our network and companies in the interiors industry engage and develop relations with Letterfrack. It is a unique educational institution in Ireland and stands out globally for its wood manufacturing programs. (Pic 3 Paul Leamy proudly shows off a 300 year old maple tree that came out of Trinity College Dublin. Legend has it Bram Stoker wrote Dracula under this very tree 🤔 )

New Member FJS & DWK

By Gareth Sherry • December 13, 2024
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 - Mark Lohan Kitchens

By Gareth Sherry • December 10, 2024
*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.
Share by: