I had an eye-opening visit to Coillte Nursery in Ballintemple. Listening to the energetic and passionate Ronan O'Keeffe on a tour around the beautiful Carlow countryside, it is hard not to come to the conclusion that the future of construction lies in timber.

With 400 acres dedicated to germinating and processing 30 million trees annually for the Irish Forestry Industry, we have a sustainable resource to meet our construction and joinery needs for generations. The end product is suitable for a wide variety of timber frame construction. Also domestic companies like MEDITE SMARTPLY transform this plentiful supply of home grown raw material into high performing versatile building material such as high quality MDF, Tricoya and OSB.

Through innovative cross-pollination methods, the nursery team has significantly improved tree quality, resulting in faster-growing, denser, and straighter trees with fewer irregularities. A more carbon-hungry tree that will effectively sequester carbon for generations is the result.

Interestingly, one of the techniques in use at the nursery is called "grafting" which involves wrapping a sapling in a branch of a mature tree to trick it into producing seed in less than a year as opposed to 20 years in a natural environment. This radically reduces the amount of time it takes to evolve more effective variants.

The forestry industry's impact on sustainability goals and net-zero targets is significant. Embracing timber as a primary construction material can play a crucial role in achieving a more sustainable future.

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.
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