The Automoblox Company Regains Brand Control of Automoblox Toys

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 2/8/2013 10:16:58 AM

ROSELAND, NJ - The Automoblox Company and Manhattan Toy agreed to terminate their manufacturing, license and distribution agreement for Automoblox products, effective as of January 1. As of that date, The Automoblox Company resumed full control of all operations, including the manufacturing of its Automoblox product line, global sales, marketing, customer service and distribution. The agreement resolves a dispute that began in 2010 and returns control of the automoblox brand to its founders.

Co-founder and CEO of The Automoblox Co., Susan Calello said, "We are pleased to have amicably concluded our relationship with Manhattan Toy.[...] Regaining control of Automoblox and its future is an exciting step for us, and will allow us to effectively shape its strategic direction. With a renewed focus on the specialty toy market, this new direction gives us the opportunity to work directly with specialty store owners, who serve the community everyday by selling quality, innovative toys. Our passion and commitment to the Automoblox brand means it will get the care, attention and investment it deserves to thrive."

Patrick Calello, founder and chief creative officer of The Automoblox Co., commented that the company will ensure that "every Automoblox vehicle will be produced to our very high standards of material, durability and craftsmanship," beginning with oversight of the manufacturing process at the factory level.

In addition to line extensions in to its award-winning wooden, interchangeable vehicle line, The Automoblox Co. will introduce a completely new line of products at the American International Toy Fair in New York beginning on February 10.

"These new products, along with our strong customer service outreach efforts, will help put the ‘special' back into specialty toy stores," explains Susan Calello.