A toy brand needed an OEM partner to take a concept into production for the European market. The order ran to 20,000 sets.
What the Client Needed
The client develops toys and sells into Europe. They had a design and a target launch, but no factory. What they needed was a partner to build the prototype, meet European safety requirements, and run the volume.
The Challenge
- Safety compliance. Children’s products sold in Europe must meet EN 71 and carry CE marking. Testing is part of production, not a step added at the end.
- Prototype iterations. The first sample rarely becomes the production part, so the schedule has to allow for revision.
- 20,000 sets. Volume at this scale rewards a mould that runs reliably, because downtime shows up in the delivery date.
- Retail packaging. The sets had to arrive boxed to the client’s specification.
How We Ran the Project
- Concept and sample development. We built samples from the client’s design and revised them against their feedback.
- Material selection. We selected plastics that suit the age group and hold up in testing.
- Safety testing. Samples went through the checks required for the European market before tooling was approved.
- Mould making. Steel tooling was cut once the sample was signed off.
- Injection moulding. Parts were moulded in production runs.
- Assembly. Components were assembled into finished sets.
- Packaging. Sets were packed to the retail specification.
- Inspection. Finished goods were checked before shipment.
Quality Control
We checked the parts through the run rather than at the end. Incoming material came with certificates, and we verified dimensions and function against the approved sample. Assembled sets were checked for missing or loose components, and packaging was inspected before cartons were sealed. The order passed inspection and shipped to Europe.
Result
- 20,000 sets produced.
- Exported to Europe.
- Passed quality inspections.
What to Send Us for a Quote
- Your design or concept, with a 3D file if you have one.
- Target age group.
- The market you are selling into, so we can match the compliance route.
- Quantity and packaging requirements.
- Your launch date.
Questions Buyers Ask
Do you handle safety testing?
Yes. We build the testing requirements into the project and coordinate with accredited labs. Requirements depend on the age group and the destination market, so we confirm what applies before production.
Can you work from a drawing rather than a 3D file?
We can start from sketches and develop the 3D model with you. A 3D file shortens the process and reduces the risk of a mismatch.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Minimum quantity depends on the number of moulded parts and the size of the tool. For multi-part sets, production runs in the thousands are common. Send your design and we will confirm.
How long does an OEM project take?
Sample development, testing and tooling sit before production, and revisions at the sample stage move the date more than anything else. Tell us your launch date and we will map the schedule.