Irish Wood & Interiors Network

The Irish Wood & Interiors Network (IWIN) is the national network of the wood using industry. It was set up to help to promote collaboration and support members in the pursuit of sustainable growth. 

London Build 2023 Expo

IWIN and a select group of 19 members will be exhibiting at the London Build Expo on 15th/16th November.


This being the leading construction and design show in the UK, it represents a unique opportunity for our companies to grow their export sales and strengthen their network with our nearest trading partner.


With Brexit well and truly impacting supply chains in the UK especially from contentinenal Europe, Irish companies can benefit from our close trading relationship with the UK more than ever.


Also, continued labour shortages in the UK mean demand for specialist joinery, fitout suppliers and construction materials remain high especially in the London market.


We would welcome everyone on our community to visit us at the expo and join us for our networking night after the expo on Wednesday 15th November. You can register for your free tickets here...

Latest News

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
By Janine Vernon 26 Jan, 2023
"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 William Vernon 16 Jan, 2023
The team here at IWIN are delighted to tell you about one of our most successful programmes that we have developed for IWIN members. Our 'Learn Together Programme' is a Peer to Peer sharing and learning initiative. The aim of the programme is to get people in similar roles sharing their business, methods, experiences, processes and stories with each other to gain further ideas and practical advice to take control of their own organisations. It is representative of what IWIN is all about - to help our members grow their businesses through collaboration. So, how does it work? Small group of people from separate companies in similar roles and from similar size/type of organisations grouped together. Each member will host the group for a half day visit to their company to go through their own role and how they perform their role, sharing their experience, processes, methods and stories to the group. Each visit will include a presentation from host, factory tour focused on the particular role and networking opportunity over a meal. The group will go from business to business each month until all members have presented. The benefits for participants are: Networking opportunity with people in similar roles, getting to discuss challenges and obligations of delivering results. Practical, proven advice from similarly motivated peers. Seeing first hand, at other business venues, how others perform their role and deliver results. Sharing of ideas between peers who have been successful in delivery of the role. Seeing potential improvements for your own business in place and working in other organisations. Widening contacts within your industry. Please send us an email query to info@iwin.ie for more information about this programme and how it can benefit your business. The programme is free to IWIN members.
By William Vernon 18 Nov, 2022
We are delighted to report that our Circular Upholstery Textile (CUT) project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland is off to a flying start. Headed by the Irish Wood and Interiors Network, this government funded project will provide a framework to develop new circular products and circular business models aimed at increasing value, use and life of materials, products and assets and designing out waste from production and consumption in the textile upholstery sector. We spent the summer visiting the factories of participating companies with Elaine Butler of the Circular Design Institute , and now the companies have just finished our third in-person workshop and round of coaching with design consultancy anois . Already those involved are progressing three circular product concepts and three new industrial symbiosis opportunities. A huge thank you to all those involved including Finline Furniture , Foxford , Botany Weaving , Respa Beds , Sofa Source International and Thomas Montgomery Ltd .
By William Vernon 07 Sep, 2022
Circularity and sustainability are the big issues that will impact on our industry over the coming years. The position adopted by EFIC in cooperation with member countries, including Ireland, can be accessed below.
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Who should join IWIN?

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.

Our Sponsors

These great organisations have taken this huge step to show their determination to see our industry in Ireland develop to take its place in Europe and the World recognising that from little acorns, great Oak grow. If you would like to join our strategic partners in supporting and developing our industry, please call us or send an e-mail to  info@iwfm.ie to request a partner pack which details the mutual benefits for our partners and industry as a whole.

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