Fort Collins-based Sprig Toys has been acquired by toy giant Wham-O in a deal extending the reach of Sprig’s eco-friendly products.
Sprig’s proprietary “Sprigwood,” a mixture of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic, will be used in the manufacture of two of Wham-O’s iconic products — Frisbee and Hula Hoop.
“We will be a wholly owned company of Wham-O, but we’ll retain our identity and our design office in Fort Collins,” said Sprig co- founder and toy designer Justin Discoe.
Terms of the deal, which became final last week, were not disclosed.
Sprig’s line of battery-free toys for preschoolers will be sold under the new Wham-O Jr. brand. Product packaging will include references to Sprig and Sprigwood.
“With the horsepower of Wham-O, it opens incredible opportunities for us,” Discoe said.
Sprig employs nine people at its Fort Collins headquarters. Previously, all of its manufacturing has been done in foreign countries, including China, Mexico and Canada.
Now, Wham-O will handle all sales and manufacturing in both domestic and overseas locations. Sprig officials will focus on design and development of new toys.
Before starting the company in 2007, Sprig co-founders Discoe, David Bowen and Chris Clemmer had worked for other major toy companies, including Mattel and Fisher-Price.
Sprig said the Wham-O deal will enable prices to be cut on Sprig toys, which include Eco-Trucks and Dino Adventure Rig.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
