After an 11% increase in sales to EUR 250m, toy manufacturer Lego (DK-7190 Billund; www.lego.com) can look back on a successful business year in central Europe (Austria, Germany and Switzerland) for 2001. Despite the poor economic situation for toys, the company´s figures are “clearly in the black,” says spokesman Gerd Schönheim. Worldwide, too, the Danish toy manufacturer is “clearly set for growth” again, following heavy losses in 2000. Full results for 2001 will be posted on the Lego website around mid-March. Further growth in sales of around 8% is expected for the German-speaking countries in the current year.

Lego´s consistent return to its core business in classical plastic construction bricks, in particular, has had a positive impact on sales, stressed Schönheim at the Nuremberg toy fair at the beginning of February. The company´s declared aim is to become one of the best-known toy brands worldwide by 2005 and to open up further markets beyond the 130 countries in which Lego is currently sold. Lego also scored major successes with its licence business; “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” sales exceeded all expectations.

Lego operates production facilities for its plastic toy sets in the US, Denmark, Switzerland, South Korea and the Czech Republic. The precision moulds required for processing what is mainly ABS are manufactured in two Lego plants in Germany and Switzerland.