Are LEGO Sets Made In China? (The Truth!)

Over the years, there’s been much speculation about where LEGO sets are manufactured. Are they made in China? Denmark? Or somewhere else entirely? The answer is… both! LEGO sets are actually made in a number of different places, depending on the specific set and its manufacturing requirements. But what does that mean for the quality of the sets? But what does that mean for consumers? And why is it that some sets seem to be more expensive than others? Let’s take a closer look.

The LEGO Group opened a factory in Jiaxing, China in November 2016. The 1.7 million square foot factory employs more than 1200 people and produces between 70 – 80 percent of all LEGO products sold in Asia. The LEGO Group announced in January 2022, that they would be expanding the factory by adding 452,000 square feet to accommodate a new high bay warehouse and molding facility.

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Why The LEGO Group Decided To Start Manufacturing In China

The LEGO Group decided to start manufacturing in China in 2016 in order to meet the growing demand for its products in Asia. By producing products closer to where they were being sold, the LEGO Group could reduce shipping costs and time.

The Chinese market was also very attractive because it rapidly grew and had a large potential customer base. In addition, labor costs in China were lower than in other countries, which meant that the LEGO Group could produce products more cheaply.

LEGO sales increased by 21% in 2020 partly due to increased growth in China. The LEGO Group reported revenue reaching 6.99 billion, up 13% from 2019.

LEGO opened many new retail locations in 2020, including 91 stores that were in China. The company now has 678 LEGO branded retailers worldwide and wants to add another 120. At the beginning of 2022, the 300th LEGO store opened in Haining near Jiaxing city.

While the LEGO Group has faced some criticism for manufacturing products in China, they have implemented strict social and environmental standards at their factories there.

These standards are meant to ensure that workers are treated fairly and that the manufacturing process does not damage the environment. The LEGO Group is committed to maintaining these high standards at all its production facilities worldwide.

The LEGO Group has a high focus on integrating sustainable solutions into their Chinese factory, from recycling and reusing waste to minimizing energy consumption. Their most important impact comes through LEGO products that inspire and develop millions of children.

In doing so, they want to leave the planet in the best possible condition for children. One way they are accomplishing this is by installing solar panels on the roofs of their factory in China.

Interesting facts about the factory in Jiaxing:

Opened in 2016
The factory is 1,776,045 square feet
The land the factory is on is 3,390,631 square feet
484,375 square foot area for packing
269,097 square foot manual warehouse
107,639 square foot area for decoration and assembly
376,736 square foot molding facility
69,965 square foot automated high bay warehouse with a 78-foot high ceiling with a capacity of more than 400,000 storage boxes.
Provides LEGO products for China and Asia
Activities include Molding, Processing, and Pack
Approximately 1,200 employees
17,400 solar panels were installed on rooftops and are expected to generate more than 7,000 MWh annually.

The Process Of Making LEGO In China

Most LEGO bricks are manufactured at the LEGO Group’s factory in Kladno, Czech Republic. However, some specialty bricks and elements are produced at the company’s factories in Mexico, Denmark, and China.

The LEGO Group’s decision to start manufacturing in China was driven by the growing demand for its products in Asia and the desire to reduce shipping costs by producing closer to where the products were being sold.

All LEGO products are made from ABS plastic, a durable material that can withstand high temperatures and repeated use. The manufacturing process begins with the raw pellets of ABS plastic, which are melted and formed into small bricks. These bricks are cooled and sorted into different categories before being sent to the assembly line.

Workers add the small bricks to the assembly line to create larger LEGO elements, which are assembled into complete sets. The entire process – raw materials to finished products – takes place at the LEGO Group’s factories in China.

The Benefits Of Making LEGO In China

There are several benefits to manufacturing LEGO products in China. Firstly, by producing products closer to where they are being sold, the LEGO Group can reduce shipping costs and get products to customers more quickly. Secondly, labor costs in China are lower than in other countries, which means that the LEGO Group can produce products more cheaply.

In addition, the Chinese market is very attractive because it is rapidly growing and has a large potential customer base. The LEGO Group’s decision to start manufacturing in China has been very successful – today, the company has two factories in China and employs over 2,000 people there.

The LEGO Group’s strict quality standards are applied at all of their factories around the world, regardless of location. This ensures that all LEGO products meet the same high standards of quality, no matter where they are made.

There are both benefits and challenges to manufacturing LEGO products in China. Some of the benefits include lower labor costs, increased efficiency, and access to a large market. However, some of the challenges include strict government regulations, language barriers, and cultural differences.

The Challenges Of Making LEGO In China

One challenge of manufacturing LEGO products in China is that labor costs are relatively low, which can pressure workers to work long hours for little pay. In addition, working conditions in Chinese factories can be challenging, with high temperatures and exposure to harmful chemicals.

Another challenge of manufacturing LEGO products in China is environmental regulations. These regulations are not as strict as in other countries so factories can pollute the air and water more easily. This can be harmful to both workers and the local environment.

The LEGO Group has taken steps to address these challenges by working with its suppliers to improve working conditions and environmental protections.

How Does The Quality Of Chinese-Made LEGO Compare To That Made Elsewhere?

The quality of Chinese-made LEGO products is just as high as that of LEGO products made in other countries. The LEGO Group has strict standards for all its factories, regardless of location. This ensures that all LEGO products meet the same high standards of quality, no matter where they are made.

What Does The Future Hold For LEGO Production In China?

The future of LEGO production in China looks very promising The expansion is underway and is expected to be completed in 2024.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have taken a closer look at the LEGO Group’s manufacturing operations in China and explored some of the benefits and challenges of producing LEGO products there. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the issue and helped you make an informed decision about whether or not to buy LEGO products from China.