LEGO is more than just a plastic toy! Yes! It has won the hearts of adults and children across the globe for themed sets and simple building blocks. Well! In this blog, we will focus on where are Lego made, their supply chain, and more. So, it’s wise not to skip!
1) Brief Legos History and Product Ranges
OLE KIRK KRISTIANSEN started LEGO in 1932 in Denmark. The history of Lego started as a wooden toy business and transitioned to the Automatic Binding Bricks in 1949. It could shift to a plastic medium and later evolve into LEGO bricks.
In 1958, their patent for the interlocking brick lego sets system got approved, and it created endless creative possibilities. Nowadays, LEGO operates as one of the most successful toy brands globally, all thanks to their innovative Lego collection.
Well now, LEGO caters to different age groups with a vast assortment of products. Sets with a specific theme, like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel, have specially themed sets that bring famous worlds into reality. Apart from this, classic LEGO sets come with simple bricks for free building.
For the younger builders, LEGO offers DUPLO with bigger, safer bricks and Friends for imaginative storytelling play. LEGO City recreates usual scenes, while LEGO Creator 3-in-1 sets give children the opportunity to build different models from one kit.
With LEGO Mindstorms and LEGO Boost, robotics and coding have made learning entertaining and more approachable. With the toys already captivating a young audience, LEGO has started branching into theme parks, movies, and even video games.
We can say that LEGO aims to grow by introducing a perfect blend of creativity, education, and entertainment.
An interesting thing to share with you: Jonathan Moore a blogger and Internet retailer shared in a Quora post that one of his friends is a real Lego fanatic.
He says that what his friend actually used to do, he buy Legos special sets from the store and then sell them when that product became short in the market, meaning, he used to sell those products when prices became high. Wow! That’s a great idea!
Jonathan further says that some people charge too much that it actually becomes too hard to earn any money from that.
2) Where Are Lego Toys Manufactured?
As one of the most recognized names in the world of children’s toys, the LEGO brand sells an extensive range of products, which creates a surge in demand for different brands. With this in mind, the company has a global network of factories in multiple countries, allowing for optimal production and supply.
LEGO Global Manufacturing Sites
Multiple locations around the globe manufacture LEGO bricks. The main factories are strategically placed in Denmark, China, Hungary, Mexico, the Czech Republic, and even in Mexico. All of these facilities contribute significantly to the brick production, in billions, that LEGO sells every year.
i) Denmark
LEGO brand was founded in 1932, and the original LEGO factory is located in Billund, Denmark. The facility was their primary injection-molded bricks plant and the high-precision production facility. Although it is not the largest factory, it still works for the LEGO Corporation.
ii) Hungary
Located in Hungary, the Nyíregyháza factory is new but serves as one of the largest mass production centers for LEGO bricks. The factory was opened in 2002 and allows for reduced delivery and transportation costs.
iii) Mexico
The primary production center for both North and South America is the Monterrey factory in Mexico. This is advantageous for LEGO because they are able to distribute the products efficiently across the continent.
This LEGO factory manufactures varied sets, ensuring swift delivery to major markets like Bricklink Lego sets.
iv) China
The Jiaxing factory that was opened in 2016 supports LEGO’s expanding market in Asia. It serves China and other adjoining countries, which decreases the dependence on European factories. The Jiaxing facility specializes in the molding, assembling, and packaging of LEGO products.
Production Capacity and Quality Control
LEGO produces more than 100 billion bricks every year and ensures that they do so with extreme accuracy. Each brick is manufactured with a precision of 0.005 millimeters, which makes it compatible with all the other sets.
The company uses high-quality ABS plastic, which is durable and has perfect clutch power, so the bricks hold together efficiently. Additionally, quality control is essential for the company.
Every LEGO factory is given specific instructions to conduct a set of tests such as drop tests, heat resistance checks, and pressure tests. This assures that every single brick produced adheres to the brand’s reputation.
Sustainability in LEGO Manufacturing
LEGO strives towards achieving sustainability in its operations by using plant-based plastics and investing in renewable energy. The company plans to replace its brick materials with 100% sustainable ones by 2030.
So far, it has begun using elements made from plant-based polyethene, such as trees and leaves. In addition, some LEGO factories are becoming more energy efficient, and some have even shifted to renewable energy sources.
3) How Lego Chooses Its Manufacturing Locations
To achieve optimal efficiency, quality, and global reach, LEGO considers a number of factors before choosing a manufacturing location. Their strategy focuses on securing locations that allow them to grow while meeting high production standards.
a) Proximity to Major Markets
LEGO strategically positions its factories near its largest customer markets. The ability to manufacture in Denmark, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Mexico, and China greatly reduces shipping times and costs, which helps stores and online customers receive their orders quickly.
b) Skilled Workforce
LEGO factories specialise in molding and assembly and therefore require a highly skilled workforce to operate at the required level of quality LEGO. These regions become available to LEGO because they have a proficient labor force.
c) Advanced Infrastructure
LEGO aims for areas with developed transportation, sufficient energy supply, and modern industry buildings. This is crucial to maintaining smooth production and swift distribution throughout the globe.
d) Cost Efficiency
Quality considerations are critical at LEGO, along with the cost of production, taxes, and other operational expenses. The company sets its headquarters in various nations with favourable economic conditions so that expenses can be managed without lowering the high standards of quality.
e) Sustainability Goals
Production is one of the environmentally friendly goals that Lego aims for. For example, the company builds its factories in locations where the use of renewable energy and sustainable materials is possible, further helping reduce its carbon footprint.
4) Lego Toys Supply Chain and Manufacturing Process
LEGO has a very structured supply chain for its toys and processes, ensuring that its toys are of the highest quality. All steps of that how are Legos made start from the procuring of the raw materials to the delivery of the finished products, are very seriously planned, both in terms of efficiency as well as accuracy.
Step 1) Sourcing Raw Material
LEGO utilizes ABS plastic, which is a strong and durable material for LEGO bricks. The company works with reputable suppliers to get high-quality plastic while adopting other strategies to lessen its plastic waste impact.
Step 2) Precision Molding
The standard procedure to produce molded items is to melt plastic at about 230°C (446°F) and inject it into metal molds using pressure. These molds create perfectly shaped LEGO bricks that interlock with one another.
The company employs one of the most accurate precision standards in the world at 0.005mm, so it is proud to be one of the most accurate toy manufacturers.
Step 3) Quality Management
Rigid checks are conducted after each brick is completed. Automated workers plus trained workers monitor the pieces for their shape, strength, and color. Any defective pieces of the bricks are recycled and reused in production.
Step 4) Assembly and Packaging
The quality control procedure is completed, and the bricks are assembled into sets along with instructional booklets. Advanced systems at LEGO pre-pack the exact numbers of the different pieces into bags before the bags are boxed and sealed.
Step 5) Global Distribution
LEGO has tackled contemplating and other issues through its efficient glob aerial supply chain with warehouses and distribution centres in different parts of the world. Yes, it ensures prompt shipment of LEGO sets to customers and stores.
The supply chain and the entire manufacturing process, from sourcing materials to delivering is completed alongside immense quality – which is exactly how LEGO is able to deliver their products and bricks to millions of adoring fans around the globe.
5) How to Find the Right Lego Toy Suppliers
Locating trustworthy suppliers of LEGO toys is of utmost importance for retailers, wholesalers, and buyers aiming to provide authentic products to customers. Here’s a tip to help you navigate this process.
- Identify Authorized Distributors: You should go check the Lego official website first for distributors in your area. Buying from these distributors directly guarantees authenticity and compliance with all of Lego’s quality standards.
- Attend Industry Trade Shows: Make sure to participate in LEGO exhibits and fairs in the toy industry. It’s a good chance to get in touch with reputable suppliers and learn about new products and developments in your niche.
- Verify Supplier Credentials: Always check the details of potential suppliers before engaging them in a partnership. Ensure that legitimate and suitable business licenses, certifications, and reference checks are carried out.
- Be Cautious of Counterfeit Products: There is widespread dealing of fake LEGO products, as well as dubious websites that offer LEGO merchandise at very low prices. Always confirm the identity of the supplier to avoid being a victim of fraud and suspiciously low pricing.
- Partner with Reputable Sourcing Agents: Working with reputable sourcing agents eases the process of procuring different products. For example, Meenogroup has been helping companies from all over the world since 2012.
We help clients from product design and development to shipping while ensuring the products are what they are claimed to be, avoiding the hassles of international sourcing. In addition to these, we help make quality inspections and safe delivery of the goods.
- Request Product Samples: Before bulk orders, make sure to request samples so that you can verify the quality and authenticity of the Lego products. This step helps in assessing the supplier’s commitment to maintaining the standards of Lego.
- Monitor Market Feedback: Pay attention to the experience other retailers and buyers have with the suppliers. Usually, positive feedback and long-term partnerships tend to be a good indication of a supplier’s reliability, commitment, and quality.
David Eaton a Lego Hobbyist talks about earning money by selling Lego. He said that you can make money by selling customs models and commissioned products. But to do all that you have to be good salesman and builder.
He further said that buying Lego in bulk for sale in not that easy as it seem like. It requires a healthy amount of money. He suspected that some people who are just doing this buy and resell and are earning good money may be involved in some scams! Who knows!
By adhering to the guidelines provided and reputable sourcing agents such as Meenogroup, counterfeits are no longer a concern, as genuine Lego products can be sold to customers without compromising quality.
6) Conclusion
Negotiating with the suppliers of LEGO toys cannot be done without ample prior research to avoid legitimacy issues, tainted quality standards, and untrusted suppliers. Counterfeit risks can be avoided when trusted sources, like authorized distributors and trade fairs, are used.
Using established sourcing agents such as Meenogroup greatly enhances a simplistic approach at the expense of losing direct control over the payment, factory inspection, abiding incoterm policies, and quality regulation. Meenogroup helps approach a variety of stock material for your business.
LEGO products can be provided to customers with ease while sustaining credibility and enduring success for the business in the highly competitive toy industry. You can contact Meenogroup now!