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The Global Insight

Where are Mattel toys manufactured?

Author

Christopher Davis

Updated on February 08, 2026

China
Mattel vowed as recently as last month it would tighten its controls in China. About 65 percent of the company’s toys are made in there, and about 50 percent of Mattel’s production is in China at company-owned plants.

What led Mattel to the forefront of the toy industry?

It was in 1956 that Ruth Handler hit upon the ingenious idea that would rocket Mattel to the forefront of the toy industry and fascinate four generations of young girls. Handler’s vision for the doll, which she called Barbie (her daughter’s nickname), was that she be the “ideal” woman.

Is Mattel a toy manufacturer?

Mattel, Inc. Los Angeles, California, U.S. Mattel, Inc. (/məˈtɛl/) is an American multinational toy manufacturing company founded in 1945 with headquarters in El Segundo, California.

What products does Mattel make?

All Mattel brands

  • Barbie®
  • Creatable World™
  • Hot Wheels®
  • Fisher-Price®
  • Jurassic World.
  • American Girl®
  • Thomas & Friends™
  • Mattel Games™

Is Mattel owned by China?

“Mattel was in China before China was cool, and they learned to do business there in a good way. Unlike many other companies, Mattel, which makes about 65 percent of its toys here, actually owns the plants that produce its most popular wares.

Are Mattel toys made in China?

Mattel is the only big toy maker that still owns factories in China and recently started operating a new post-production testing system in the country to better ensure quality.

Who owns Mattel now?

Ynon Kreiz is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogues of children and family entertainment franchises in the world.

Does Mattel own Hot Wheels?

Hot Wheels is a brand of die-cast toy cars introduced by American toy maker Mattel in 1968. Many automobile manufacturers have since licensed Hot Wheels to make scale models of their cars, allowing the use of original design blueprints and detailing.

Does Mattel own Bratz?

Bratz is an American product line of fashion dolls and merchandise manufactured by MGA Entertainment and created by Carter Bryant. For years, MGA Entertainment was involved in a lengthy legal dispute with Mattel over the rights to the Bratz design. In 2011, the dispute ended with MGA as the victors.

What are the steps in making a toy?

Preliminary packaging ideas are also considered, along with all aspects of the final toys. We think about all possible ways to maximize fan excitement and happiness. With an approved concept we complete the toy design from top to bottom. Then we start prototyping, using a mix of 3D modeling, rapid prototyping, hand sculpting, molding and casting.

What’s the difference between toy manufacturers and toy brands?

There’s a distinction between toy companies, toy manufacturers and toy brands. Toy brands refer to the companies that produce and commercialize toys, these can be subsidiaries, like Barbie from Mattel. One company may handle one or more toy brands, but if the company focuses exclusively on toys, then we have a toy company.

What’s the production process for Happy Worker toys?

A more detailed explanation of Happy Worker’s design approaches and our toy prototyping process. We make the toys & collectibles from a variety of materials. First we fabricate all individual parts, then finish (paint, sew, print, etc), assemble and package.

Where did the first toy maker come from?

Starting small has been known to pay off big for toy makers. Mattel started in a garage in 1945. Similarly, Melissa and Doug Bernstein started their Melissa & Doug company in Doug’s parents’ garage in 1988. Tina Richey Swanson earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and began her career as an advertising copywriter.