CRA-Z-ART BOLDY RESPONDS TO TARIFFS BY REVING UP TOY MANUFACTURING IN THE USA AND ACCELERATING DOMESTIC EXPANSION PLANS
RANDOLPH, N.J., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Cra-Z-Art, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, and is a leading U.S. manufacturer and innovator in the toy, activity, art, and school supply industries, has announced their plan to significantly increase toy manufacturing in the USA to combat the cost of tariffs for imported goods from China and other countries. The company currently has over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space domestically, the largest U.S. footprint in the industry. They have plans to dramatically grow production space by 50% to 1.5 million square feet.
With global trade tensions rising, Cra-Z-Art is seizing the moment to strengthen its American manufacturing presence. This aggressive expansion will allow the company to deliver products faster and more cost-effectively to retailers and consumers while bolstering local economies.
Cra-Z-Art recently announced the acquisition of Joker AG, creating the world's largest global manufacturer of multi-compounds. This is the company's third acquisition in the last six months as Cra-Z-Art accelerates its strategic growth and increases its production, particularly domestically, while also solidifying its dominance in the global toy market. The 102-year-old company previously purchased Top Secret Toys, makers of Giga Pets, Dissect-it Brand and Spin Pops as well as a major interest in Lexibook, one of the largest global manufacturers of children's electronic and learning toys.
Cra-Z-Art currently maintains factories in Lewisburg, Tennessee, and Jacksonville, Florida. The state-of-the-art facility in Florida, opened in 2021, has injection and blow molding on-site and other precision equipment, including liquid processing, that allows for easy shipping to efficiently service retail customers. The Lewisburg site is the country's largest pencil factory and includes manufacturing as well as product packaging and assembly of popular brands such as USA Gold.
"Based on the current economic climate, we are taking decisive action to expand and invest in American manufacturing. We are fortunate to have the infrastructure and capabilities in place to rapidly increase toy and school supply production as well as manufacturing space right here in the USA," said Lawrence Rosen, Chairman of Cra-Z-Art. "This will greatly benefit our retail partners by allowing us to get products to market quicker and more cost effectively, ultimately passing along the savings to our valued consumer. It also benefits the local economy where our factories are located."
Cra-Z-Art currently markets and manufactures best-selling brands such as RoseArt, Shimmer 'n Sparkle, Be Inspired and My Look craft and activity sets, Cra-Z-Slimy, Softee Dough and Kodak puzzles, along with iconic properties like Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine, Magna Doodle, and their latest hit, Disney Crystal Surprise. The items are available at major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target and Amazon as well as specialty stores. The company also sells items on its own website, www.cra-z-art.com.
About CRA-Z-ART
Based in Randolph, NJ, CRA-Z-ART, offers a wide range of original, creative, exciting, and trendy products across the toy, activity, art, and school supply categories. With a management team that brings over 150 years of combined experience in the creation, manufacturing, and marketing of stationery, toy, and activity products, CRA-Z-ART is deeply attuned to the needs of retailers and the desires of consumers. At CRA-Z-ART, "Always Creative!" is more than a slogan—it's the driving force behind everything we do, inspiring new possibilities every day!
To learn more, please visit www.cra-z-art.com.
CONTACT: Charlie Zakin, Cra-Z-Art – 973-598-3800 x 256
SOURCE Cra-Z-Art
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