Mattel is the world’s largest toy company they design, manufacture and distribute a wide variety of toys to 150 countries. Products, include a number of toy lines, including Barbie dolls, clothing, access Wheels toy die-cast vehicles; Warner Bros., merchandise including Harry Porter, Batman, Superman and Looney Tunes products; the American Girls Collection of books, dolls, clothing, and accessories; Fisher-Price infant and preschool including Little People figures and playsets and toys based on various licensed characters. Toys are produced in company-owned manufacturing facilities in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and Thailand, as well as through independent contractors located in States, Europe, Mexico, the Far East and Australia.

 

 

In 1945 Ruth and Elliot Handler and Harold “Matt” Masson launch Mattel out of a garage workshop in Southern California. The first Mattel products are picture frames, but Elliot Handler develops a side business in dollhouse furniture. Harold Mason sells his shares to his partner. Encouraged by the success of the doll furniture the Handler’s create an empire.

 

1955    Mattel begins advertising toys through the “Mickey Mouse Club” revolutionizing the way toys were marketed.

 

1959    The Blonde hair wonder makes her debut. Inspired by Ruth’s daughter’s fascination with cutout paper dolls, Ruth creates a three-dimensional doll through which little girls could play out their dreams. “Barbie” leads Mattel to the forefront of the toy industry.

 

1960    Mattel becomes a publicly owned company.

 

1961    The brown hair wonder is created Barbie’s new boyfriend Ken (named after the Handlers’s son).

 

1968    Mattel purchases several companies as part of its “World of the Young” acquisition strategy.

                        Monogram Models

                        Metaframe (pet products company)

                        Turco (manufacturer of playground equipment)

                        Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

                        Circus World (theme park)

                        Western Publishing

                        Randitz/Mattel Productions (Motion picture company)

 

1968    Mattel creates Christie the African-American Doll

 

1975       Founders Elliot and Ruth Handlers leave the company

 

1978    Mattel Children’s Foundation is established. Viewing philanthropy as an investment the foundation seeks nonprofit partners that demonstrate the same beliefs through outreach to children and financial accountability.

 

1986    Mattel acquires Hong Kong-based ARCO industries

 

1987    Mattel suffers 113 million loss when the market for it Masters of the Universe toy line for boys evaporated.  As a result of Mattel's troubles, its stock plummeted from 1982's peak of $30 per share to just $10 per share in 1987

 

1997    Mattel merges with Tyco the third largest toy company in the world. The merger adds the primary toy license for “Sesame Street,” the most popular children’s educational TV program.

 

            The Global Manufacturing Principles (GMP) are established. These principles are the cornerstone of Mattel’s ongoing commitment to responsible manufacturing around the world.

 

1998    Mattel begins to phase out phthalates. Although evidence strongly supports the safety of phthalates, Mattel feels compelled to address concerns of environmentalist and consumers until the debate is resolved.

 

2000       May 2000, Mattel comes under new leadership and unveils a new vision with a clear focus on building brand, cutting costs, and developing people.

 

2007    August 1, 2007 Mattel recalls about 1.5 million Mattel toys believed to contain lead contamination, including items featuring such popular characters as Elmo and Big Bird.

 

August 14, 2007 Mattel announces recall for 9 million more Chinese-made toys, including popular Barbie, Polly Pocket and “Cars” movie items, and warned that more could be ordered off store shelves because of lead paint and tiny magnets that could

September 5, 2007 About three quarters of a million toys are being recalled because they are decorated with paint containing too much lead, the US company says.