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 cost-effective 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 Communications competitive but has also reinforced its reputation as a customer-centric business ready to deliver.
Embracing Digital Transformation: Catalogue, Website, and IT Investment
As the digital age dawned, Wood Communications was quick to embrace the opportunities it presented. The company launched a comprehensive, user-friendly 180-page colour-coded catalogue detailing its entire product range. Recognising the importance of an online presence, Wood Communications also revitalised its website, www.woodcomm.ie, making it a dynamic platform where customers can access product information, sign up for newsletters, and receive technical updates.
Investing in IT infrastructure has been a cornerstone of Wood Communications’ strategy. The implementation of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system has streamlined sales planning, updated customer contacts, and enhanced market and technical communication. Additionally, Intact ERP combined with Hubspot sales intelligence tools has been instrumental in identifying gaps and opportunities in customer order patterns, allowing the company to tailor its offerings more effectively.
The returns on these IT investments have been significant. Today, 100% of the company’s invoicing is sent electronically, reflecting its commitment to efficiency and sustainability. These technological advancements have not only improved internal processes but have also enhanced the customer experience, ensuring that Wood Communications remains at the forefront of the industry.
The Global Stage: Supplying Leading Data Centres
The turn of the 21st century brought about a seismic shift in the communications industry, with the rise of data centres and the proliferation of global players like AWS, Microsoft, Meta, BT, Equinix, Three, and Vodafone. Wood Communications recognised this shift early on and strategically positioned itself as a leading supplier of data centre infrastructure. The company’s evolution from a traditional telecoms provider to a key player in the data centre space is a testament to its ability to anticipate industry trends and adapt accordingly. We have aligned ourselves with some of the key Global Manufacturers such as AFL, Corning, Legrand, Great Lakes to name a few.
Wood Communications now boasts a significant presence across Europe, supplying critical infrastructure to some of the world’s largest data centres. This expansion has not only solidified the company’s reputation on the global stage but has also opened up new avenues for growth and innovation.
The Challenges of the 21st Century: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The 21st century has not been without its challenges. The global financial crash of 2008 tested the resilience of businesses worldwide, and Wood Communications was no exception. However, the company’s strong leadership and strategic planning allowed it to weather the storm and emerge stronger.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed another unprecedented challenge. As the world grappled with lockdowns and supply chain disruptions, Wood Communications once again demonstrated its adaptability and even saw growth during this period. The company quickly implemented measures to ensure the safety of its employees while continuing to support its customers. The pandemic highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure, and Wood Communications played a crucial role in supporting the surge in demand for reliable telecommunications and data solutions.
Looking to the Future: The Alcadon Acquisition
As Wood Communications celebrates its 100th anniversary, it does so with an eye firmly on the future. In 2024, the company reached another significant milestone with its acquisition by Alcadon, a publicly listed European distributor for data and Telecommunications solutions. This acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter in Wood Communications’ history, providing the company with additional resources and opportunities to expand its product offerings and geographic reach. Now with a presence in 8 European Countries with over 14 distribution centres we have a far better reach and logistical capability to serve our customers throughout Europe. Our Locations reach from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Holland, UK and Ireland.
Despite this change in ownership, Wood Communications remains committed to its core values of innovation, customer service, and quality. The acquisition by Alcadon is not just a new beginning but a continuation of the company’s century-long tradition of excellence. MD Keith Mahony stated this is the final piece in the Jigsaw in allowing us to serve our customers throughout Europe and further afield.
A Legacy of Excellence
Reflecting on 100 years of Wood Communications, from its humble beginnings in Cork to its current status as a major supplier of data centre infrastructure across Europe, Wood Communications has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the industry.
As the company embarks on its second century, it does so with a legacy of excellence and a future full of promise. Wood Communications is not just celebrating 100 years of business; it is celebrating 100 years of leadership, resilience, and a commitment to driving the industry forward.
Here’s to the next 100 years of success.
