In 1935 Michael John Flood, then in his mid-forties, left his steady job at Underwood where he was a typewriter engineer, riding around Dublin on a bicycle repairing typewriters. He set up his own company in a small premises on Pearse Street. In 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, MJ had the foresight to buy in a large consignment of typewriters, thus ensuring that his business thrived during the “emergency”. In 1940 Bob Blake joined the company, at the age of 15. Bob was to work for the company for 48 years.
The company grew slowly until MJ’s grandson, Michael Power, took over the business in 1964. At this stage the company employed six people. In 1968 the Facit Typewriter Agency was secured and secured the backbone of the company for some years. The following year, 1969, saw the achievement of a turnover of £50,000. By 1971 sales had grown to £200,000 and the first branch was opened in Sligo.
In 1971 the company entered the photocopier market. In 1974 distribution rights were acquired for Mitsubishi (now Konica) photocopiers. This formed another key element in the company’s growth. In 1975 MJ Flood moved from Pearse Street to Walkinstown and the following year, 1976, turnover reached the figure of £1,000,000.
In 1979 the company moved to Sandyford. The company head count had now reached eighty. Another move was made in 1983 to larger premises in Sandyford. In 1985 the Athlone branch was opened and in 1996 the Belfast branch opened thus completing the network of nine branches including Dublin.
The company left Sandyford in 2001 for larger offices and warehouse space in Citywest.
Another move was made in 2007 due to the continued requirement for increased warehouse space, this time to Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22.
In 2020 the company entered the security industry through the purchase of a majority shareholding in AlertWatch Ltd.
We are now the leading provider of Managed Print Services in Ireland. Security in the form of CCTV and access control is driving further growth within the business with turnover doubling in that division since 2020.
MJ Flood has continually evolved its brand to reflect growth and innovation. Over the years, the company has refreshed its identity, modernised its visual presence and aligned its messaging with an expanding range of services. This ongoing rebranding has reinforced MJ Flood’s reputation as a forward-thinking, trusted partner across its markets.
A notable milestone in this journey was the acquisition of Milano Coffee Systems, in October 2024, marking the company’s entry into the coffee solutions sector. This strategic move broadened MJ Flood’s product offerings and further solidified its position as a comprehensive solutions provider.
Michael John Flood left his job as a typewriter engineer to start his own business on Pearse Street, Dublin.
Riding a bicycle to service typewriters, he laid the foundation for what would become a lasting legacy.
Anticipating shortages before World War II, he secured a large stock of typewriters – ensuring the company’s early success.
MJ’s grandson, Michael Power, took the reins of the business with just six employees, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s journey. Under his leadership, the team began to grow steadily, laying the foundations for the innovation and expansion that would define MJ Flood in the years ahead.
By 1968, securing the Facit Typewriter Agency became a significant turning point in MJ Flood’s growth and future direction.
By 1969, MJ Flood’s turnover had reached an impressive £50,000, reflecting the company’s rapid growth and increasing success in the marketplace.
Sales grew to £200,000, MJ Flood opened its first regional branch in Sligo and entered the photocopier market, marking the start of its nationwide expansion.
MJ Flood acquired the distribution rights for Mitsubishi (now Konica) photocopiers, enabling the company to expand its product offerings and strengthen its position in the printing and office technology market.
In 1975, the company relocated from Pearse Street to a larger facility in Walkinstown to accommodate its growing operations. Just a year later, in 1976, MJ Flood reached a turnover of £1 million, marking a significant milestone.
The company moved to a modern, larger facility in Sandyford, providing increased space and resources to support its growing operations and expanding team.
To support further growth, MJ Flood expanded into the Midlands with the opening of its Athlone branch.
The opening of the Belfast branch completed MJ Flood’s nine-branch network, including Dublin, establishing a strong nationwide presence.
In 2000, MJ Flood relocated from Sandyford to a larger facility in Citywest to accommodate its growing operations.
The company relocated to purpose-built premises in Baldonnell Business Park to support ongoing growth and expanding operations, where it remains headquartered today.
MJ Flood strategically acquired AlertWatch to expand its portfolio and strengthen its presence in the security and surveillance sector with advanced monitoring solutions.
As part of MJ Flood’s growth strategy, we acquired Milano Coffee Systems, broadening our product range and strengthening our market position. This acquisition enhances our expertise and creates new opportunities to better serve our customers.
MJ Flood has continually evolved its brand to reflect its growth and innovation. Through the years, the company has refreshed its identity, modernised its visual presence and aligned its messaging with its expanding range of services.
