Skip to main content

Evolving Company, Evolving Products

Founded by Molly & Van Wood, SmallCorp has been fabricating acrylic box frames and display covers, in the Northeast, since 1972.  The company started out in an old mill in Newmarket, NH with a client list of frame shops, artists, and galleries and often made deliveries in Molly & Van’s VW Microbus.

In 1975, welded aluminum frames, hardwood frames, and pedestals were added to the product line.  A year later, Molly & Van built their first manufacturing facility on their property in Berwick, Maine.  They soon expanded their focus to include designing and manufacturing for the needs of conservators and museums, while continuing to serve framers, artists, and galleries.

In 1987, SmallCorp built its current 36,000-square-foot facility in beautiful Greenfield, MA and a few years later, expanded the product line to include custom made aluminum honeycomb support panels and microclimate exhibit cases.

Since 2012, the second generation, Hoyt Wood and his wife Jen Austin, have been in charge of leading and growing SmallCorp.  Today we have a team of 40 talented and committed staff members. You will find we still have the same small company attitude, as well as personal relationships with many customers and vendors, some of whom have been with us for over 50 years.

SmallCorp founders Van and Molly Wood

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.

In the spring of 2015, we added another 60Kw making SmallCorp a net energy generator and ensuring that our entire manufacturing process is based on green power. We continue to look for better ways to use resources wisely and preserve our shared cultural heritage and welcome your ideas and insights.

Founder Van on roof with Solar panels being installed

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) became part-owner and transitioned from Plant Manager to Managing Director, overseeing day-to-day operations.  As of 2020, Van and Molly are fully retired, and Hoyt has taken over the helm as President of SmallCorp.  Working alongside Hoyt is his wife Jen, the company’s Senior Business Manager.

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).