LEGO began making plastic toys in 1949.
The transition to plastic marked a significant period in the LEGO Group's history. According to company records, it was specifically in 1949 that the LEGO Group's newly established plastics department commenced manufacturing various types of toys. This included their very first plastic bricks, which were introduced to the market under the name Automatic Binding Bricks.
This development laid the groundwork for the iconic interlocking brick system that would eventually become world-famous. The introduction of plastic allowed for greater precision and new design possibilities compared to their earlier wooden toys.
Here's a brief look at this pivotal moment:
- Year: 1949
- Department: Plastics Department
- Products: Various plastic toys, including the first plastic bricks (Automatic Binding Bricks)
This move into plastic manufacturing in 1949 was a foundational step that ultimately shaped the future direction of the LEGO Group and its product line.