C.N. Wood traces its beginnings to 1962 when Bob Benard and a partner bought Charles N. Wood Co., a snow removal equipment operation. They also sold anything that would help remove snow and ice during the treacherous New England winters, such as material spreaders to distribute salt. They planned a buyout in 3 years, but they were able to complete the purchase in just 18 months.

In 1964 Bob Benard established C.N. Wood to sell a broader selection of equipment. Previously, he had worked with an Elgin Sweeper dealer and had built an impressive record by demonstrating these machines to potential buyers. Elgin appreciated his efforts and asked if he would like to carry their line in his new company. He also picked up the Leach garbage truck line, and C.N. Wood’s municipality business was born.

They still have a strong presence in the municipality market and have expanded the equipment lines they carry. C.N. Wood also distributes Madvac sweepers and vacuums. Both Trackless municipal tractors and Vactor sewer cleaners were added in the early 90s, along with RapidView IBAK pipeline and manhole inspection systems. The company is still one of the strongest Elgin dealers in the U.S.

C.N. Wood expanded into the earth moving business when they became a Komatsu dealer in the early ‘80s. Road building equipment was introduced with the BOMAG line of compactors and milling machines in the early 2000s. Gradall was added about ten years later to include an excavator that can travel on the roads in their equipment lineup.

In 1991 Paula Benard joined the family business as director of marketing. She is a civil engineer and was ready to apply her skills to help customers increase productivity and efficiencies. Their customer base expanded through Paula’s efforts, and they relocated their headquarters in 2002 to Woburn, MA, designing a new building that anticipated even more growth.

Paula was named president in 2006, and Bob transitioned to a new role as chairman. Together, they are helping construction companies and municipalities across New England obtain the equipment they need for optimal operation.