Playmates Toys Limited is a Hong Kong toy company. The company was founded in Hong Kong in 1966 by Sam Chan Tai-ho as Playmates Industrial, manufacturing dolls for other companies.[1] In 1975, Playmates began marketing their own line of pre-school toys, and in 1977 opened an American subsidiary in Boston. Another subsidiary was founded in California in 1983; in 1984 the company went public.[2]
The company's first big success was in 1986, with the marketing of a tape-playing, electronic robot doll named Cricket.[2] In 1989, the company marketed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures which sold extremely well.[2] Success of the two led to a golden era from 1990 to early 1993.[3] In 1990, Sales reached US$4.13 billion and net profit HK$1.21 billion.[3] In 1995 the company suffered a loss of HK$97.59 million.[3]
Playmates Interactive Entertainment Inc. was founded as a subsidiary of Playmates Toys Holdings which is the parent company of Playmates Toys in 1994. It is co-located with the United States branch of Playmates Toys in La Mirada, California.[6] In September 1996, Playmates Toys' US branch and Playmates Interactive Entertainment relocated their headquarters, including 50 employees to Costa Mesa, California.[6] At the same time, Gary Rosenfeld and Chris Archer joined the company as vice-president of business affairs and producer, respectively.[6] In August 1997, Playmates Interactive Entertainment's president, Richard Sallis, resigned and was succeeded by Ron Welch.[7][8] Playmates Interactive Entertainment was defunct by May 2000.[9]
