Playmates was founded in 1966. In its
formative years, Playmates principally engaged
in the manufacture of dolls and was recognized
as a major supplier of high quality dolls for
toy companies around the world.
A direct sales force was set up in the
United States of America in 1978 to sell and
distribute proprietary lines of dolls and
preschool toys marketed under the
"Playmates" brand name.
On 12th November 1984, a predecessor of
Playmates Holdings became the first company in
the toy industry listed on the then Hong Kong
stock exchanges. Following the public listing,
Playmates transformed into a marketing-based
promotional toy company and directly competed
with the largest toy companies on a global
level.
In 1988, Playmates Toys launched the
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" line of
toys which went on to become one of the most
successful brands in the history of the toy
industry. The sustained success of the Turtles
brand established and affirmed the position of
Playmates Toys as a major player in the
promotional toys arena. Since then, Playmates
Toys has continued to create and bring to market
worldwide numerous innovative, award-winning and
popular toys.
1966
Sam Chan founds Playmates as O.E.M. doll
company.
1969
Playmates launches first proprietary doll brand;
"Precious Playmates"
1970's
Playmates grows into one of the largest O.E.M.
doll companies in the toy industry.
1978
Playmates launches first branded pre-school
product line; "L'il Playmates".
1981
Pre-school product line extended with
introduction of first licensed Disney®
items.
1982
U.S. subsidiary, Playmates Toys, Inc.,
Incorporated in California
1984
Playmates became first publicly listed toy
company in Hong Kong (Ticker:0075)
1986
"Cricket" doll, company's first
promotional product, ships in U.S.
1988
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ launch in
the U.S.
1990
Group sales exceed $500 million, operating
profits exceeds 38% of turnover as Turtle
business explodes.
1991
Waterbabies® brand introduced in U.S.
1992
Playmates acquires master toy rights in Star
Trek® franchise and launches collector line
in U.S.
1993
Toy company spun off as separate listing on SEHK
(Ticker:0635).
1997
Playmates's Nano® brand captures large share
of worldwide virtual pet market.
Thomas Chan appointed Chairman as Sam Chan
retires after 30 years.
1998
"AMAZING AMY" ships in U.S. - first of
6 best selling dolls in Amazing brand.
2000
Playmates revolutionizes collector business with
Intelli-Tronic Simpsons® figures.
2001
Playmates Disney Princess® brand launches
with "My Interactive Princess"
Cinderella.
Lou Novak appointed President of toy group.
2002
Playmates becomes Disney's No. 1 large doll
licensee.
2003
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return with all NEW
entertainment, products and marketing support.
2004
Acquires master toy rights in Peter Jackson's
new King Kong® movie franchise.
2005
Acquires master toy rights in American
Greeting's Strawberry Shortcakes™
franchise.
Launches "Amazing Amanda", first of a new
generation of intelligent dolls in Amazing
brand.
2007
Launches a complete line of action figures and
accessories based on the hit movie, TMNT.
2008
Playmates develops a broad line of toys for the
Paramount Pictures Summer 2009 Tent Pole Star
Trek movie being directed by J.J. Abrams and
Terminator a Warner Bros/Sony Global release.
2009
Playmates launches powerful entertainment
franchises including; Nickelodeons iCarly,
Paramount Pictures Star Trek and Warner
Bros/Sony Global T4. Playmates also celebrates
TMNT 25th Anniversary. Disney Fairies brand
experiences strong sales and Rainbow Brite
re-design and re-introduction in December 2009.
