Evolving Products

Founded by Molly and Van Wood, SmallCorp has been fabricating acrylic boxes and display covers in the Northeast since 1972. SmallCorp started in an old mill in Newmarket, New Hampshire with a client list of frame shops, artists, and galleries. In 1975, welded aluminum frames, hardwood frames, and pedestals were the first additions to their line of products, and a year later Molly and Van built a small manufacturing facility on their property in Berwick, Maine. From then on, they began focusing on designing and manufacturing for the needs of conservators, museums, framers, and artists. In 1987 SmallCorp built their current 36,000 square foot energy-efficient building in Greenfield, Massachusetts. A few years later, in 1990, custom-made aluminum honeycomb support panels and microclimate display cases were introduced to the line of products. Since then, we have continued to grow our product line as our customer’s needs and wishes evolve.

Commitment to Renewability 

In 2008, SmallCorp became the first manufacturer in Western Massachusetts to install a 100Kw photovoltaic system (solar power) on its roof, in order to generate its own electricity. This was the culmination of a 20-year process to reduce our energy and resource demands. Our commitment to conservation means the conservation of all our resources, natural and cultural. We continue to look for better ways to use resources wisely and preserve our shared cultural heritage and welcome your ideas and insights. In the spring of 2015, we added another 100Kw of solar panels to our roof, making SmallCorp a net energy generator and ensuring that our entire manufacturing process is based on green power. 

Keeping it in the Family

SmallCorp became a second-generation family-owned company in 2012 when Molly and Van’s son Hoyt Wood (who started in 1991) transitioned from Plant Manager to part-owner and Managing Director, overseeing day-to-day operations. As of 2020, Van and Molly are fully retired and Hoyt is the company’s President now. Working alongside Hoyt is his wife Jen, the company’s Senior Business Manager, as well as his daughter Lydia, one of our shop’s Team Leaders. 

How did Small Corporation get its name? The name comes from the I Ching hexagram 62 “Preponderance of the Small”, as well as from the Winnie the Pooh character Small, who is one of Rabbit’s friends-and-relations (Chapter 3 of The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne).