Woodworkers: a legacy of craft, supply and evolution
Known widely within the trade as Woodworkers or Milofsky’s, Woodworkers & Hobbies Supply Centre Ltd has been a longstanding fixture in Ireland’s interiors and joinery sector since opening its doors in May 1969.
Woodworkers’ extensive warehouse facility, designed for efficient storage and rapid retrieval of a wide range of sheet materials and fittings for trade and retail customers
Established by the Milofsky brothers, the business began as a strategic diversification from furniture manufacturing into the supply of timber and furniture fittings for both trade and DIY markets. This move reflected broader economic shifts at the time. Following Ireland’s entry into the EEC, the removal of tariffs on imported furniture increased competition from large-scale European manufacturers, prompting many smaller Irish producers to rethink their position in the market.
Throughout the 1970s, the business evolved in line with the growing demand for built-in furniture, as carpenters and joiners sought reliable supply partners. Ken Milofsky, whose father Ike was one of the founders, recalls: “Growing up, it was the most exciting place to be — surrounded by the smell of wood and the sound of machinery in operation.”
Archival imagery of the Milofsky family’s original manufacturing operations, reflecting the company’s deep roots in Ireland’s furniture and joinery sector
Now more than 50 years on, the company remains family-run, with Ken, his wife Lisa, and Ken’s cousin Michael at the helm. Its longevity has been shaped by resilience, including the complete rebuilding of the premises following a devastating fire in 1980.
Today, Woodworkers supplies both trade and retail customers with a wide range of specialist products sourced internationally. Its warehouse is equipped with cantilever racking and electric combi-lifts, enabling efficient stock handling and retrieval. In the mill, ongoing investment in high-specification machinery underpins both safety and precision. As Ken notes: “It is vital to have the best machines on the market so that our operators and customers have total confidence.”
Ongoing investment in high-quality machinery and equipment underpins Woodworkers’ long-term approach, ensuring precision, efficiency, and reliability across its operations
The current production setup includes a Gabbiani beam saw and Holz-Her edge banders, supporting accurate cutting and finishing of sheet materials to customer specifications. The integration of Ardis optimisation software allows for efficient processing and component tracking, while CNC routing for MDF and plywood has become a core service, particularly for bespoke cabinetry, wardrobes, and kitchen components.
Precision machining of ribbed wood panels, part of Woodworkers’ expanding range of value-added services supporting bespoke interior applications
The company also serves as a resource for interior designers, who regularly visit to source materials and finishes. In response to evolving design trends, Woodworkers continues to expand its surface offering. Recent additions include ribbed flexible solid wood sheets by HTS (Germany) and carved mouldings from Italy. Wood veneer remains a strong growth category, with Decospan’s flexible veneer sheets proving particularly popular. As a Decospan partner for almost 40 years, the company also stocks the Shinnoki range of pre-finished veneered MDF, enabling high-quality results with reduced processing time.
With over five decades of experience, Woodworkers continues to invest in technology, materials, and expertise to meet the evolving needs of Ireland’s interiors and fit-out sector.
