The Origin of Lego

Introduction

• The Lego brick: an iconic toy.
• The name "Lego" has historical significance.

Early Life of Ole Kirk Christiansen

• Ole Kirk Christiansen was a skilled carpenter.
• Faced financial difficulties, leading to the dismissal of his last worker.
• Experienced personal tragedy with the loss of his wife.
• He had four sons and felt the responsibility to provide for them.

Transition to Toy Making

• Ole decided to start making toys as a way to support his family.
• Initially used saved wood from carpentry to create toys.
• Sales were slow, but his son, Godtfred, started helping out.
• Gained recognition for high-quality wooden toys.

The Wholesaler's Order

• A wholesaler visited and placed a large order for toys.
• Unfortunately, the wholesaler went bankrupt, leaving Ole in a difficult situation.
• Ole sold toys himself, managing to secure enough money for Christmas.

Naming the Company

• Ole wanted a name that conveyed "Playing Well" - in Danish, "Leg Godt."
• Eventually, he settled on the name "Lego," which in Latin means "I put together."

Growth and Challenges

• The company began to grow with increased orders and profits.
• Ole emphasized quality over cost-cutting measures.
• Experienced setbacks, including a fire that destroyed the workshop in 1942.
• Despite the challenges, Ole rebuilt Lego and continued production.

Innovation in Toy Production

• Ole purchased a plastic molding machine, marking a shift to plastic toys.
• Redesigned and launched the plastic bricks, which became successful.
• Sales fluctuated, and Godtfred worked to boost sales.

The System of Play

• Godtfred introduced the Lego System of Play, allowing for creative building.
• The concept included realistic settings and educational elements for children.
• Transitioned from wooden toys to focusing solely on the Lego system.

Global Expansion

• Established an airport in Billund to facilitate international sales.
• Idea for Legoland emerged, combining exhibition space and amusement park.
• Legoland opened with a significant number of visitors.

Legacy and Philosophy

• Ole's focus on quality and Godtfred's belief in creativity shaped Lego's identity.
• Current leadership aims to encourage exploration and expression in children.
• Commitment to providing the best for children remains central to Lego's mission.