Maker record
Mattel Toys
Mattel is an American toy maker founded in 1945. Its products include dolls, toy vehicles, action figures, games and building sets. Barbie, introduced in 1959, became a major fashion-doll line, while Hot Wheels, launched in 1968, developed into a range of die-cast vehicles. The company’s catalogue spans play products and collector releases, with brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Masters of the Universe and UNO.
- Founded
- 1945
- Countries
- United States
- Locations
- El Segundo, California, USA
- Founders
- Harold Matson · Elliot Handler
The story of Mattel Toys
Mattel began in a California garage in 1945. Its name and early work were associated with Mattel Creations. In its first decades, the company expanded from small beginnings into a toy maker with products across several categories.
Ruth Handler, a Mattel co-founder, introduced Barbie in 1959. The fashion doll became one of the company’s best-known lines. Mattel added Hot Wheels in 1968, a die-cast vehicle range designed for performance as well as styling. Those ranges became enduring parts of the company’s catalogue. Mattel continues to develop and sell toys and collectibles under brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Masters of the Universe and UNO.