BUFFALO, NY (2007-11-19) Congresswoman Louise Slaughter has reached out to a top executive at Mattel to return manufacturing operations for Fisher Price toys to Western New York.
Fisher Price is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel. Its headquarters is still in East Aurora, where one thousand people are employed. But all of Fisher Price's manufacturing operations are now located in other countries.
In recent months, Fisher Price has recalled toys made in China that had lead paint in them. Congresswoman Slaughter said that is costing Fisher Price its good name. So, she reached Mattel Chairman and C-E-O Robert Eckert with a request to bring manufacturing home.
According to Slaughter, Eckert said he would think about it. The Democratic lawmaker said financial incentives are available.
Slaughter said it's essential that the US rebuild its manufacturing base.
Eckert has apologized for the lead paint found in the company's toys. Mattel's web site has a letter from Eckert addressed to fellow parents, saying there is nothing more important than 'the safety of our children.'
Despite his promise to Slaughter, Mattel and Eckert have not given any indication that they're thinking about a return of manufacturing operations to the US.