User:HisayukariMachii/sandbox/Guidecraft

Guidecraft is an American manufacturer of educational and consumer toys and children's furniture based in Tuxedo, New York. The company mission is "To create objects of lasting importance that enrich the lives of children and articulate and define creative, joyful, and meaningful experiences". Currently, all products are designed by teams in New York and Thailand. They are led by company president, Gary Bilezikian from the New York location.

History
The company was founded by Fred Fein in 1966 in a one room workshop in Garnerville, NY. Initially, the company only manufactured wooden toys. The first toy manufactured by the company was the Wedgie toy: a standing, wedge-shaped wooden figurine which is still manufactured and sold by the company today. In the 1980's Jason Fein, Fred's son, joined and became the president of the company. He expanded the product line to include children's furniture and consumer toys. From that point on, Guidecraft has continued to produce products for educators and consumers alike.

Brands
In North America, Guidecraft operates as a manufacturer only, and partners with various other companies for distribution. For the remainder of the world, their school supply furniture is sold and distributed by the UniversityFC brand. Guidecraft also manufacturers trikes and other vehicular products through the Tilo brand name.

Designer/Company Sites
In 2016, the privately held company employs approximately 50 employees across the United States, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada and the UK. Most sourcing currently occurs in China for toys whereas Vietnam is used for furniture.

Manufacturing
Guidecraft uses FSC certified solid wood. Their products may use other wood-based materials, including MDF and plywood.

Partnerships
Sementes Brillhantes is a program targeted at providing educational and developmental stimulation in children of four years and younger in areas where such services are inadequate or non-existent. The program will initially be based in Brazil. Guidecraft serves as one of three key partners, and is the only U.S. based partner to work with the program.

Awards

 * MACT Award


 * 2008 - Guidecraft Complete Kitchen Center


 * Parents' Choice Award


 * 2015 - Guidecraft™ PowerClix® Organics 74 Piece Set (Gold Award)


 * 2015 - Guidecraft 114-piece IO Blocks Set (Silver Award)


 * Oppenheim Toy Award


 * 2006 - Guidecraft Magneatos Sets (Platinum & SNAP Awards)


 * 2015 - Guidecraft 74-piece Organics-Powerclix (Platinum Award)


 * 2015 - Guidecraft 68-piece Solids-Powerclix (Platinum Award)


 * Tillywig Award


 * 2015 - Guidecraft 114-piece IO Blocks Set


 * 2016 - Guidecraft 425-piece IO Blocks Minis


 * The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval


 * 2015 - Guidecraft 114-piece IO Blocks Set
 * 2016 - Tilo Trike