ABOUT
OUR HISTORY
Decades of Dedication
Woodland began its journey in 1987, founded by Brian McCloskey, and quickly established itself as a trusted designer and manufacturer of quality kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom furniture. Rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, Woodland has grown over the past three decades to become one of Northern Ireland's leading manufacturers of scalable furniture.
In 1989, the company opened its first showroom in Ballymena, followed by the construction of a dedicated manufacturing facility in Rasharkin in 1990. As its reputation grew, Woodland expanded in 1996 to supply fitted furniture for local contractors and schools. The business entered a new era in 2002 when Connor McCloskey, the second generation of the McCloskey family, joined, bringing fresh energy and vision to further its commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship.
In its formative years, Woodland earned a loyal customer base within the local community through its commitment to superior craftsmanship and personalised service. Word-of-mouth recommendations soon attracted customers from neighbouring towns and counties, driving demand beyond Rasharkin. This early success laid the foundation for the company’s future growth.
In response to increasing demand, Woodland opened a 98,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in 2005, which enabled the company to begin exporting flat-pack furniture to the UK by 2010. The launch of a Contracts division in 2013 further positioned Woodland as a key player in the hotel and leisure sectors, marking another milestone in its evolution.
As the company flourished, Woodland embraced advancements in manufacturing technology to meet the increasing needs of its customers. By the early 2000s, Woodland had established a state-of-the-art production facility in Rasharkin, allowing the company to produce over 5,000 cabinets weekly. This investment in cutting-edge machinery and skilled artisans positioned Woodland as a key supplier to a variety of sectors, including residential developments, hotels, and student accommodations
Connor McCloskey brought fresh ideas and a new perspective to the business. His involvement has been instrumental in ensuring Woodland stays ahead of industry trends while remaining true to its core values. Connor’s contributions have further strengthened Woodland’s position as a leader in the furniture manufacturing industry, securing its legacy for future generations.
Expansion continued with the addition of a new Product Development and Marketing Suite in 2017 and a 33,000-square-foot assembly facility in 2018, bringing the total facility space to 138,000 square feet. By 2019, Woodland’s turnover neared £20 million, driven by successful hotel fit-outs and innovative bathroom furniture developments.
In April 2024, Woodland entered a new chapter with the acquisition of JTC Furniture Group. JTC Furniture Group, headquartered in Dundee, Scotland, is a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of fitted furniture solutions. With over 35 years of experience, the company specialises in designing and producing scalable kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom furniture for Social Housing, Student Accommodations and Build to Rent. Their comprehensive services include design consultation, site surveys, and installation. This strategic move further solidified Woodlands position as a market leader in Northern Ireland and beyond. By integrating JTC’s expertise and capabilities, Woodland enhanced its production efficiency and broadened its product offerings. The acquisition also reinforced the company's dedication to innovation and sustainability, enabling it to remain at the forefront of the furniture manufacturing industry.
With a rich legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, Woodland continues to thrive as a trusted leader in the furniture industry, poised to shape the future while honouring its proud heritage.
Brian & Connor McCloskey 2024