"From its founding days, Merenda has been an enthusiastic member of IWIN. When Bill Vernon and Dermot O' Donovan first spoke of the possibilities for the Irish furniture industry in collaborative learning, shared business experiences, a new approach to securing talent and a collective will for internationalisation and growth, I knew Merenda could only benefit from being on that journey. In real terms, the annual conference, golf outings and the connections made with ATU Letterfrack is already paying dividends for Merenda.


I would highly recommend IWIN membership to businesses in our industry who want to scale strategically and resource that growth with good practice and profit. I encourage all businesses in our industry to sign up for 2023 and beyond and reap the benefits"


- Ronan Haslette, CEO, Merenda


"We have greatly benefited from being members of IWIN. The access to networking events as well as information provided around industry exhibitions has been very beneficial to the company. We have gained considerable value as a result of a workshop organised by IWIN in relation to circularity in upholstery and textiles (CUT Project). This has re-framed how we think about our furniture and service. Being part of this group of companies has spawned some great inter company connections as well as some smaller projects that we feel could benefit us in the long run. The network is going from strength to strength and we feel there is still growing to be done"


- Kilian Finane, General Manager, Finline Furniture


"The Peer to Peer program through IWIN was a fantastic experience. The program was very beneficial for Holbein Carpentry & Joinery and I found it very helpful on a personal level. Coming together with different companies from the same industry gave us the opportunity to share experiences, see different operations and learn from one another. Often companies work very differently, but still face very similar challenges, whether these be internal issues or external factors outside our control. By communicating and learning from one another, I feel we continuously improve our businesses for the benefit of our customers, employees and suppliers alike. Collaboration is key"


- Oliver Holbein, Managing Director, Holbein Carpentry & Joinery


"IWIN provides us with the opportunity to network with companies that are facing similar challenges and to share experiences. We recently worked with IWIN on the circularity in upholstery and textiles (CUT) project and the contacts generated from this project have helped us greatly to develop our thought processes in relation to product development and circularity. The IWIN network is providing an excellent opportunity for all businesses in our industry to learn from the experiences of the group and appreciate the challenges that will arise in the future. Thank you to the team at IWIN for opening up this door for us and pointing us in the right direction in the pursuit of sustainable growth"


- Philip Fagan, Managing Director, Kelletts (Oldcastle) Limited

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.
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.
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