International Concepts, a division of Whitewood Industries, Inc. was founded in 1982 in Greensboro, NC as a distributor of ready-to-finish furniture to retail stores throughout the eastern United States. Initially, Whitewood moved to a 9,000-sq.-ft warehouse in Jamestown, NC and added finished juvenile furniture to its product mix while continuing to distribute ready-to-finish furniture. In 1987 the company began an import division, expanding its capabilities as a complete offshore resource. That same year, Whitewood moved from Jamestown to High Point, NC and leased a new 24,000-sq.-ft facility, and business continued to grow.

In 1990, Whitewood's owners purchased a building in Thomasville, NC which allowed the company to triple its warehouse space. With this large warehousing facility, Whitewood began sourcing finished furniture and opening new retail markets. In mid-1994, Whitewood again expanded its facilities, which brought total manufacturing, office and warehouse space to more than 200,000 square feet. The year 2000 saw an exciting benchmark for Whitewood: The company recruited a talented team and engaged well-known furniture designer Carol Wheeless to develop Whitewood's own, finished furniture brand. Called "John Thomas Furniture," the mid-priced, design-oriented line features full-sized dining groups that are casual enough for everyday meals but handsome enough for special occasions too.

In April, 2001, the company moved from its original High Point showroom to a new, 10,000-sq.-ft showroom at 215 S. Main St., High Point. The year 2005 marked, yet another, benchmark for Whitewood: The company launched a new division/brand, Whitewood Masterfinish. Whitewood Masterfinish, a thirty-five color choice, paint/stain gel product, offers ready-to finish and specialty retailers the opportunity to marry ready-to-finish furniture with a "same brand" finishing product. Today, Whitewood Industries Inc. divisions include, Whitewood Ready-To-Finish, Whitewood Masterfinish, John Thomas Furniture, and International Concepts. Whitewood Industries' employs 150 Thomasville, NC residents with manufacturing, warehousing, corporate offices, and showroom facilities, incorporated, reaching 350,000 square feet.