Ertl Company
Encyclopedia
The Ertl Company is an American toy
company best known for its die-cast metal alloy collectible replicas (or scale models) of farm equipment
and vehicles. The company is based in Dyersville, Iowa, home of the National Farm Toy Museum
. In the 1990s, Ertl also began production in Mexico, inevitably laying off the employees of the original Ertl factory which would become a warehouse/distribution facility and an outlet store.
The popularity of Ertl toys is undoubtedly due to their detailed, small-scale representations of tractor
s and other vehicles.
known as Peggy Sue.
, Case IH
, New Holland
, and AGCO
. Ertl has also, on different occasions, acquired the licenses to produce die-cast vehicles and figurine
s as well as model kits
for Thomas the Tank Engine
, DC Comics
, and Star Wars
. In 1999 Ertl was purchased by Racing Champions. Ertl is currently a brand under the RC2 Corporation
umbrella.
Important Dates in Racing Champions/Ertl Company History
Toy
A toy is any object that can be used for play. Toys are associated commonly with children and pets. Playing with toys is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society. Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old...
company best known for its die-cast metal alloy collectible replicas (or scale models) of farm equipment
Farm equipment
Agricultural machinery is any kind of machinery used on a farm to help with farming. The best-known example of this kind is the tractor.-Soil cultivation:*Cultivator*Cultipacker*Chisel plow*Mulch tiller*Harrow**Spike harrow**Drag harrow...
and vehicles. The company is based in Dyersville, Iowa, home of the National Farm Toy Museum
National Farm Toy Museum
The National Farm Toy Museum is a museum located in Dyersville, Iowa, that specializes in preserving and displaying scale models, replicas, and toys based on farm equipment...
. In the 1990s, Ertl also began production in Mexico, inevitably laying off the employees of the original Ertl factory which would become a warehouse/distribution facility and an outlet store.
The popularity of Ertl toys is undoubtedly due to their detailed, small-scale representations of tractor
Tractor
A tractor is a vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high tractive effort at slow speeds, for the purposes of hauling a trailer or machinery used in agriculture or construction...
s and other vehicles.
Plastic model kits
In the late 1970s, Ertl offered a series of plastic model kits of tractors, plows, and farm wagons. Although these kits never achieved the hoped-for popularity, they apparently led to the 1981 acquisition of AMT.Aluminum Metal Toys
Aluminum Model Toys, or AMT for short, was a Troy, Michigan based company that manufactured various pre-assembled plastic promotional models starting in 1948, when attorney West Gallogly, Sr. started it as a side business. Later, a variety of kits became very popular. Most of the company's vehicle...
American muscle diecast
In the early 1990s Ertl started the American Muscle line up of diecast collectible cars and trucks. These were 1:18 scale replicas that quickly found a dedicated following of baby boomers. Limited editions of 2,500 were especially sought after. Many of the earliest releases have fetched upwards of $500. The most popular and desirable is the 1957 Chevy Bel AirChevrolet Bel Air
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a full-size automobile that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1950–1975 model years. Hardtops in the Chevrolet Deluxe Styleline model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950–1952, but it was not a distinct series of its own until...
known as Peggy Sue.
History
Ertl has been producing farm toy replicas since 1945. For over 60 years, the company has produced farm toys for industry brands such as: John DeereJohn Deere
John Deere was an American blacksmith and manufacturer who founded Deere & Company, one of the largest and leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers in the world...
, Case IH
Case IH
Case IH is an American mechanical company, one of the world’s largest brands of agricultural equipment. With headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin, it has a network of more than 4,000 dealers and distributors that operates in more than 160 countries...
, New Holland
New Holland Ag
New Holland is a full range manufacturer of agricultural machinery. New Holland agricultural products include tractors, combine harvesters, balers, haying tools, equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care, grape harvesters....
, and AGCO
AGCO
AGCO is an agricultural equipment manufacturer based in Duluth, Georgia, USA. As a leading global manufacturer of agricultural equipment, AGCO offers a full line of tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage and tillage equipment, which are distributed through more than 2,700 independent...
. Ertl has also, on different occasions, acquired the licenses to produce die-cast vehicles and figurine
Figurine
A figurine is a statuette that represents a human, deity or animal. Figurines may be realistic or iconic, depending on the skill and intention of the creator. The earliest were made of stone or clay...
s as well as model kits
Scale model
A scale model is a physical model, a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size of the object, which seeks to maintain the relative proportions of the physical size of the original object. Very often the scale model is used as a guide to making the object in...
for Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank Engine is a fictional steam locomotive in The Railway Series books by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher. He became the most popular character in the series, and the accompanying television spin-off series, Thomas and Friends.Thomas is a tank engine, painted blue...
, DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, and Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
. In 1999 Ertl was purchased by Racing Champions. Ertl is currently a brand under the RC2 Corporation
RC2 Corporation
The RC2 Corporation is a toy design, marketing and distribution company headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA. They market brands such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Lamaze....
umbrella.
Important Dates in Racing Champions/Ertl Company History
- 1945 - The Ertl Company is founded by Fred Ertl, Sr.
- 1959 - The company moves to larger facilities in Dyersville, Iowa.
- 1967 - Ertl is acquired by Victor Comptometer Corporation.
- 1971 - Ertl acquires Carter Tru-Scale.
- 1973 - Ertl begins manufacturing plastic model kits.
- 1974 - Ertl acquires Structo Stamped Steel.
- 1977 - Kidde, Inc. acquires Ertl with purchase of Victor Comptometer Corp.
- 1981 - Ertl acquires AMT model kit companyAluminum Metal ToysAluminum Model Toys, or AMT for short, was a Troy, Michigan based company that manufactured various pre-assembled plastic promotional models starting in 1948, when attorney West Gallogly, Sr. started it as a side business. Later, a variety of kits became very popular. Most of the company's vehicle...
.
- 1985 - Ertl acquires MPC model kits.
- 1987 - Hanson plcHanson plcHanson plc is a British based international building materials company, headquartered in Maidenhead. Traded on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index for many years, the company was acquired by a division of German rival Heidelberg Cement in August 2007.-History:Hanson...
purchases Kidde Corporation. Ertl acquires ECSI model kit company.
- 1989 - Racing Champions is founded by Bob Dods, Boyd Meyer and Peter Chung.
- 1990 - Ertl releases the first Precision Series farm toy replica.
- 1991-92 - Racing Champions obtains NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
license
- 1992 - Fred Ertl, Jr. retires
- 1995 - Hanson plc consolidates its U.S. companies to form U.S.I. (United States Industries).
- 1996 - Racing Champions introduces its Mint line of non-racing vehicles. Racing Champions Corporation is formed.
- 1997 - Racing Champions completes its initial public stock offering (RACN on NASDAQ).
- 1999 - Racing Champions acquires The Ertl Company.
- 2000 - Ertl acquires Britains Limited
- 2003 - Racing Champions Ertl acquired Chicago-based Learning Curve International, Inc.,
- 2004 - RC2 CorporationRC2 CorporationThe RC2 Corporation is a toy design, marketing and distribution company headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA. They market brands such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Lamaze....
acquired Playing Mantis assets and The First Years Inc.,
- 2008 - Auto World (a division of Round 2, LLC) signs licensing agreement to produce and market AMT, MPC, Polar Lights, and 24 and 18 scale diecast
See also
- Bumble BallBumble ballThe Bumble Ball is a motorized children's toy made by Ertl toys. They were popular in the early 1990s and currently come in many different colors, including a see-through light-up one and a mini version. Some are also available in key clip form under the name Bumble Ball Jr...
- Hot WheelsHot WheelsHot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.-Models:...
- Jada ToysJada ToysJada Toys, Incorporated of Industry, California, USA is a manufacturer of collectible diecast model cars and radio controlled vehicles. It was founded in 1999 by husband and wife Jack and May Li...
- MaistoMaistoMaisto International Inc. is a popular toy brand of the May Cheong Group . Maisto manufactures die-cast models of automobiles, aircraft, and motorcycles...
- Matchbox (toy company)Matchbox (toy company)Matchbox is a popular toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953 and is now owned by Mattel, Inc. The brand was so named as the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar in style and size to those in which matches were sold...
- Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends ERTL Models
- TomicaTomicaTomica is the line of die-cast toy vehicles and related products produced by Takara Tomy Co. of Japan . This is not the same as Tomica World, which is a line of motorized trains and vehicles and accessories that Tomy Co. of Japan has produced since the late 1990s...