CHESTERFIELD, VA—The LEGO Group will invest more than $1 billion to construct its first U.S. manufacturing plant here. The 1.7 million-square-foot factory is expected to create more than 1,760 new jobs.
COLUMBIA, SC—Enor Corp., a manufacturer of plastic toys and games, is establishing a new manufacturing facility here to supply U.S.-made toys to Walmart stores. The multimillion-dollar investment is expected to create 151 jobs.
Soft and cuddly aren't words used to describe the plastic or metal things typically produced by today's 3D printers. But, a new type of device developed by Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research Pittsburgh can turn wool into teddy bears and other fuzzy fabric objects. The device looks something like a cross between a 3D printer and a sewing machine and produces 3D objects made of a form of loose felt.
Once upon a time, ASSEMBLY chronicled the toy industry on a regular basis. In fact, the magazine debuted the same year that the Hula Hoop ushered in the era of fad toys.
Toy manufacturers are faced with increasingly stringent safety regulations and constantly changing consumer tastes. But, mass-customization and 3D printing may help small companies compete.
ROGERS, AR—Redman & Associates, a manufacturer of battery-operated ride-on toys, will open a $6.5 million assembly plant here, with plans to hire74 employees.
HUDSON, OH—Toy maker Little Tikes Co. attributes its growth in recent years in large part to the company’s decision to make more of its toys in Northeast Ohio plant instead of overseas.
