Maker record
Irwin Toy Co.
Irwin Toy Limited was a Canadian toy distributor and manufacturer based in Toronto. Founded in 1926 by Sam and Beatrice Irwin, it began by distributing consumer goods and later focused on toys. The company licensed products from American makers for the Canadian market and also developed its own ranges. Its catalogue included Star Wars action figures, Frisbees, Easy-Bake Ovens, Slinkys, Hula Hoops and Atari game systems; later products included Dragon Ball Z figures. The original company filed for bankruptcy in 2002.
- Founded
- 1926
- Final year
- 2002
- Countries
- Canada
- Locations
- Toronto, Canada
- Founders
- Sam Irwin · Beatrice Irwin
The story of Irwin Toy Co.
Irwin Toy began in Toronto in 1926, founded by Sam and Beatrice Irwin. The business initially distributed consumer goods, then concentrated on toys and moved from the Irwins’ home to warehouse premises. American toy makers seeking access to Canadian customers used Irwin to license and distribute products without setting up Canadian offices. Its ranges included licensed products such as Star Wars action figures, Frisbee, Easy-Bake Oven, Slinky, Hula Hoop and Atari game systems.
In 2001, Livgroup Investments bought Irwin Toy, ending 75 years of family control. By 2002 the company was producing Dragon Ball Z toys for North America, including 5.5-inch figures, but it filed for bankruptcy that December after substantial losses. The Irwin Toy name continued after this company’s bankruptcy: in 2003, Sam and Beatrice Irwin’s grandsons George and Peter acquired rights to the name and resumed toy making.