MattelFrom ToyReview
[edit] Company OverviewMattel Inc. is the world's biggest toy company based on revenue. The name is known worldwide and their success has been phenomenal. Probably best known for their creation of Barbie Dolls, Mattel has also established many other popular products such as Hot Wheels, Cabbage Patch Kids and American Girl. Mattel serves as the parent company for Fisher Price and holds licensing agreements with Disney, Harry Potter and many more recognisable names. Mattel believe they lead the way in making a difference in children's lives through their safe and reliable products and their philanthropic programs. Mattel's success is evident and their future also appears to be bright. [edit] Mattel's HistoryFounded in 1945 by Harold ('Matt') Matson and Elliot Handler, the name Mattel was established by combining the letters of their names. Elliott Handler's wife Ruth Handler later became president and it was her who established the Barbie product line for the company. Originally the company produced picture frames and doll house accessories, but with the success of their dollhouse accessories the company began to focus on toys. In 1959 Barbie Doll made her first debut. Named 'Barbie' after Ruth Handlers daughter Barbara, Barbie soon becomes a huge success with young girls. In 1960 Mattel became a publicly owned company and by 1965, sales topped $100 million. Ken Doll was introduced in 1961 following the success of Barbie Doll and was also a popular product. In 1965 Mattel entered the preschool market with See 'N Say talking toy and Hot Wheels vehicles were established in 1968. Elliott and Ruth Handler left the company in 1975 after creating a leading company in its sector. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe were launched in 1982 and in 1986 Mattel entered into a joint venture arrangement with Bandai. Mattel's association with Disney was renewed in 1988 to produce infant and preschool toys based on classic Disney characters. Recently Barbie has made an appearance in the Disney Pixar film Toy Stoy 2. Fisher Price joined the Mattel family in 1993, the Cabbage Patch Kids were distributed in 1995 and Mattel merged with Tyco Toys in 1997. In 1998 Mattel purchased Bluebird Toys PLC and in 2000 Mattel was granted the licensing agreement for Harry Potter. The co-founder Ruth Handler unfortunately died in 2002 at the age of 85. Mattel acts as the parent company for American Girl and Fisher Price and is currently headquartered in El Segundo, California. With over 25,000 employees, Mattel looks set for sustained success in the future. Mattel has continuously been seen as one of the world's leading toy companies, achieving its vision of being 'The World's Premier Toy Brands - Today and Tomorrow'. [edit] ToysMattel's dolls, toys, games, puzzles etc. are all produced to a high standard and Mattel pride themselves on the safety and reliability of their products. Barbie was successful when she was first introduced in 1959 and remains popular to this day, with new dolls being launched every year. Mattel not only aims its products at the very young but has developed games such as UNO for all the family to enjoy. [edit] Sub BrandsMattel produces toys for the following brands:
[edit] External Links |