22 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Industry News Wood Communications: Celebrate 100 Years of Leadership in Data and telecoms infrastructure Solutions As Wood Communications Ltd celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024, the company reflects on a remarkable journey from its modest beginnings to becoming Ireland’s leading distributor of datacomms, telecomms, security, and training products and solutions. This centennial milestone is a celebration of the company’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. The Early Years: From Cork to Dublin Founded in 1924 in Cork, Wood Communications began its journey at a time when the telecommunications industry was in its infancy. The company started with a clear vision: to provide reliable and innovative communication solutions across Ireland. This vision drove the company’s early expansion, culminating in several strategic moves within Dublin with one to the bustling Long Mile Road and eventually settling in Ballymount Dublin where we now occupy over 20000 sq ft of Warehousing and offices. This relocation marked a significant step in the company’s evolution, positioning it closer to key markets and paving the way for future growth. The 20th century was a period of monumental change, and Wood Communications navigated these changes with remarkable foresight. The company adapted to the introduction of the Euro, tackled the challenges posed by the Y2K bug, and weathered the global financial crash of 2008. Each of these events tested the company’s resilience, but they also provided opportunities to innovate and strengthen its market position. The Management Buyouts and Expansion A pivotal moment in the company’s history came in November 2007, when a management buy-out (MBO) transformed Wood Communications into a wholly Irish-owned and operated entity. This move brought new energy and direction to the company, with key figures like Keith Mahony (now Managing Director), Derek Finlay (Sales Director), and Pat Kennedy (Financial Director) taking the helm. These leaders, each with over a decade of experience at Wood Communications, shared a common goal: to bring the best products to market at competitive prices while offering unparalleled service and technical support. 2017 Saw Pat Kennedy FD retiring from the business which triggered a further MBI management buy in April 2017 with Keith and Derek becoming the two shareholders, which further solidified the company’s leadership structure, ensuring continuity and stability during a period of rapid industry change. Under this leadership, Wood Communications continued to grow, expanding its product range and services far beyond its original offerings. Diversification and Innovation: A One-Stop-Shop for infrastructure data products & Networking equipment along with an array of passive & Active IOT devices ensued. Wood Communications’ success over the past century can be attributed to its ability to diversify and innovate continually. Originally known for its robust range of fibre optic backbone and copper structured cabling solutions, the company has since broadened its portfolio to include datacomms, datacentres, telecoms, IOT devices, Active networking Equipment including Switches, Routers, Gateways, Wireless Access points, IP security, UPS’s and intelligent Power Distribution with Remote Connectivity monitoring and control. In addition, Wood has an array of accredited training courses for all the related Segments we work across. This diversification has made Wood Communications a veritable ‘one-stop-shop’ for networking and all communication infrastructures, catering to the evolving needs of its customers. Our Moto is if we don’t have it, we will do our upmost best to source your items through our broad distribution network and 100 years of experience. In response to industry demand for costeffective and reliable solutions, Wood Communications introduced products like CNET CABLING Solution for Cat5e, Cat6 & Cat6a components, offering customers economical alternatives without compromising on quality. We have been very successful with the CNET brand with both contractors and the Electrical Wholesaler network throughout Ireland. The company’s commitment to restructuring its buying procedures has allowed it to obtain the best cost prices, passing these savings directly to its customers. This approach has not only kept Wood L to R: Derek Finlay, Operations and Sales Director. Keith Mahony, Managing Director. Gary McAdam, Business Development Director.
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