Belarusian Toy Story: Bm Toys' Unique Journey

Belarus has been famous for its flax fabric, symbolic rushniks, and unique handcrafts made from straw, clay, and wood. The country's food and drink are also renowned, including dairy and meat products, potato dishes, bread, and alcoholic drinks with herbs. One of the most recognizable children's brands in Belarus is Polesie Toys, which was founded in the town of Kobrin in the late 1990s. The company now makes over 2,400 products and ships toys to over 60 countries.

History of BM Toys

BM Toys is a toy and souvenir company based in Belarus. The history of the company began in the late 1990s in the town of Kobrin, where it started manufacturing toys using a single hand-powered machine tool. Since its humble beginnings, BM Toys has grown significantly and now produces over 2,400 different toy products, which are shipped to more than 60 countries worldwide.

The company offers a diverse range of toys, including vehicles, construction kits, educational kits, and gaming systems. BM Toys is committed to creating only educational and positive toys that spark joy and inspire creativity in children. This commitment to quality and the company's dedication to reviving traditional crafts have made BM Toys one of the most recognizable children's brands in Belarus.

One of the unique aspects of BM Toys is its connection to the cultural heritage of Belarus. The company often draws inspiration from traditional Belarusian crafts, folklore, and history to create toys that are both fun and educational. For example, their line of straw braided figurines, accessories, and pictures reflect the country's long-standing tradition of using straw for art and folk rites.

BM Toys has also played a role in preserving and promoting ancient crafting traditions. For instance, the company creates toys inspired by the famous Slutsk belts, which were once a symbol of wealth and fashion accessory made of silk, golden, and silver threads. By incorporating these cultural elements into their toys, BM Toys helps to keep these traditions alive for future generations.

In addition to its focus on educational and cultural toys, BM Toys prioritises sustainability and environmental practices. The company utilises natural materials such as clay, wood, and flax linen, which are not only eco-friendly but also connected to the country's rich craft heritage. By doing so, BM Toys combines entertainment and learning, offering children and families toys that are not only fun but also educational and respectful of the environment.

Products and materials used

The toy industry in Belarus has a long history of creating unique and educational products using various materials. Here is a detailed overview of the products made by BM Toys Belarus and the materials used:

Wooden Toys:

BM Toys Belarus showcases the country's rich history in woodcarving and woodworking. They create a wide range of wooden toys, including figurines of people, animals, and birds. These toys are meticulously crafted, showcasing the beauty of Belarusian wood. The company also produces wooden utensils, boxes, and decorative items, such as carved furniture and accessories.

Clay and Ceramic Toys:

Clay is a traditional material in Belarus, and BM Toys Belarus continues this legacy by creating an array of clay and ceramic toys. Their product line includes figurines of animals, birds, and unique characters from Belarusian folklore. Additionally, they produce musical instruments, such as penny whistles and hand bells, made from clay, offering a fun and cultural experience for children.

Fabric and Textile Toys:

With Belarus' renowned flax cultivation, it is no surprise that BM Toys Belarus incorporates this natural fibre into their products. They create soft toys, such as dolls and stuffed animals, using flax linen. The company also produces a range of children's clothing, summer dresses, and accessories like bags and wallets, all made from eco-friendly flax fabric.

Glass and Crystal Toys:

Building on the country's glassblowing traditions, BM Toys Belarus offers a selection of glass and crystal toys. These include figurines of animals, birds, and iconic Belarusian symbols. The company also creates stained-glass windows, candle holders, and decorative glassware, showcasing the fine artistic taste of Belarusian glassmakers.

Educational Toys:

BM Toys Belarus is committed to creating educational and positive toys that stimulate children's learning and development. Their product line includes construction kits, educational kits, gaming systems, and vehicles. Each toy is designed to engage children's curiosity, foster creativity, and provide hours of fun and learning.

Natural Materials:

In addition to the materials mentioned above, BM Toys Belarus also incorporates natural materials such as straw, sheep wool, and osier (rod) into their products. They create straw braided figurines, dolls, and accessories, as well as felt hats and boots made from sheep wool. These natural materials add a unique touch to their toys and reflect the cultural heritage of Belarus.

Popularity and reach

Polesie Toys, one of the most recognizable children's brands in Belarus, was founded in 1998 in the small town of Kobrin. The company started with a team of enthusiasts who decided to make their first toy—a multi-coloured pyramid for toddlers made on a mechanical moulding machine. Today, Polesie Toys employs over 3,000 people, or 20% of the city's inhabitants, and exports toys to over 60 countries across the globe, including Russia, Italy, Australia, and Japan. The company handles the entire production cycle, from the concept stage to the transport of finalised toys.

The toys are made using one of the 100 injection moulding machines located in the production plant. The resulting pieces are then meticulously assembled and tested before being shipped out in one of the 18 trucks that leave the plant every day. Polesie Toys offers a wide range of products, including vehicles, construction kits, educational kits, and gaming systems. The company also organises a large festival of games and toys in honour of International Children's Day, attracting guests who want to relive their childhood memories.

In addition to its popularity, Polesie Toys has also gained recognition for its commitment to sustainability. It became the first Belarusian business to join the EBRD's Finance and Technology Transfer Centre for Climate Change (FINTECC) programme. By installing energy-efficient technology, the company is expected to generate significant electricity and gas savings, as well as reduce CO2 emissions by 7,500 tonnes per year.

Factory location and tours

One of the most well-known toy brands in Belarus, BM Toys, was founded in the town of Kobrin in the late 1990s. The company has come a long way since its humble beginnings, starting with just one hand-powered machine tool. Today, BM Toys manufactures over 2,400 different products and exports toys to more than 60 countries worldwide. The factory is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of toy production and a trip down memory lane.

The BM Toys factory is located at 141 Sovetskaya Street in Kobrin, within the Brest Oblast region of Belarus. The factory welcomes visitors to come and explore the magic of toy creation. During the tour, guests are invited to witness the entire toy-making process, from concept and graphical design to the final product. The tour provides a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of a massive toy enterprise, offering a few hours of nostalgia and childhood wonder.

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to see all the different production stages. Visitors can watch as concepts come to life through graphical designs and 3D models, eventually transforming into the finished product. The factory also showcases an impressive lineup of vehicles, construction kits, educational kits, and gaming systems. For those who meet the weight requirement of under 70kg, there's even the chance to take a ride in an electrical off-road vehicle!

BM Toys is committed to creating only educational and positive toys. This commitment is reflected in their annual celebration of International Children's Day, where they organise a large festival of games and toys. This event brings joy not only to the local community but also attracts tourists from near and far.

A visit to the BM Toys factory is a delightful experience for both young and old. It serves as a reminder that behind every toy on the shelf, there is a dedicated team of craftsmen and women, bringing their creativity and expertise to life. So, if you're ever in the charming town of Kobrin, be sure to include a tour of the BM Toys factory on your itinerary!

Other toy factories in Belarus

BM Toys Belarus is a toy factory in Belarus. Tourists can visit the factory to see how toys are made and learn about the production processes behind the "Made in Belarus" brand.

Polesie Toys

One of the most recognisable children's brands in Belarus, Polesie Toys was founded in the town of Kobrin in the late 1990s. The company started with just one hand-powered machine tool but now makes over 2,400 products, exporting toys to more than 60 countries worldwide. Visitors to the factory can see all stages of production, from concept and graphical design to the finished product. The company also organises a large festival of games and toys on the first weekend of June to celebrate International Children's Day.

Neman Glassworks

While not exclusively a toy manufacturer, Neman Glassworks is Belarus' oldest glass industry enterprise, founded in the 19th century in the town of Berezovka, Lida District. The factory offers tours where visitors can watch glassblowers at work and see ancient and beautiful glass artefacts in the company museum, including smoky glass with Neman threads and noble crystal glass.

Belkhudozhkeramika in Radoshkovichi

Belkhudozhkeramika is one of the largest potteries in Belarus, located in the artisan town of Radoshkovichi. The factory has been operating since 1940, specialising in clay dinnerware. Many Belarusian cuisine dishes are cooked in ceramic pots, which can retain heat in a unique way. Belkhudozhkeramika makes a range of products, including dinnerware, vases, flower pots, lamps, pictures, and souvenirs, with many processes still performed by hand. Visitors can try their hand at crafting their own souvenirs.

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