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Built for Real Play
At Tyco, we create toys that can handle anything kids throw at them—literally. Our focus is simple: making playtime more fun, more durable, and more meaningful.
Safety First Design
Every Tyco toy meets rigorous safety standards with non-toxic materials and rounded edges. We know parents worry, so we’ve done the testing for you.
Lasts Through Everything
Our toys survive drops, throws, and enthusiastic play sessions year after year. Built tough enough for kids, reliable enough for parents to trust.
Sparks Creativity
From remote-control adventures to building challenges, Tyco toys encourage kids to invent their own games. Less screen time, more imagination time.
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OANMYJJO
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Tyco Toys: From Model Trains to Toy Empire
Foundation & Early Years (1926-1960s)
John N. Tyler and Jim Thomas founded Mantua Metal Products in Mantua, New Jersey. The company initially produced model boats and electric motors to power them.
The company started manufacturing HO scale model trains under the Mantua name during the 1930s. In 1933, the business moved to Woodbury Heights, New Jersey. From 1942 to 1945, toy production was suspended as the company manufactured precision military equipment for WWII, earning the Army-Navy ‘E’ Award for excellence.
In the late 1940s, the company made a pivotal shift to ready-to-run train sets instead of model kits. Tyler created the Tyler Manufacturing Company in 1953, which became known as TYCO. By 1957, TYCO became the official brand name for their train products.
The company launched HO scale slot car sets in 1963, which became a major success. In 1967, Mantua and Tyler Manufacturing merged to create Tyco Industries, with Norman Tyler (John’s son) becoming president of the combined entity.
Corporate Ownership Era (1970-1990s)
In 1970, the Tyler family sold Tyco to Consolidated Foods, a subsidiary of Sara Lee Corporation. By 1973, the company was struggling financially, so Richard Grey was hired as president and successfully saved the company from bankruptcy. In 1977, Norman Tyler bought back the original factory and revived Mantua as a separate company. During this decade, the train market declined significantly due to the growing popularity of electronic toys.
Consolidated Foods sold Tyco to Savoy Industries for $18.6 million in 1981. The company launched Super Blocks in 1984 as a competitor to Lego products. Tyco went public in 1986 and formed a partnership with Taiyo of Japan to produce advanced radio-controlled cars. In 1987, the company completely exited the train business and focused entirely on toys, launching products like Tyco Super Dough. The following year, Tyco introduced the popular Dino-Riders action figures, supported by an animated cartoon series.
Tyco acquired the View-Master Ideal Group in 1989, bringing View-Master stereoscopes and Magna Doodle to their portfolio. The company achieved a major hit in 1991 with Disney’s Little Mermaid dolls tied to the movie release. In 1992, Tyco purchased the Matchbox brand for $106 million and acquired Illco, which held the Sesame Street toy license. During this period, the company expanded internationally across Europe, Canada, and Australia. By 1993, Tyco had completely exited the model train business.
Gary Baughman was brought in to restructure the company in 1994. Despite generating $709.1 million in revenue by 1995, Tyco remained a distant third behind industry leaders Mattel and Hasbro. The company suffered three consecutive years of losses totaling $135.5 million by 1996.
The Elmo Phenomenon & Mattel Acquisition (1996-1997)
Tyco launched Tickle Me Elmo in July 1996 with an initial production run of 400,000 units. The toy gained national attention in October when Rosie O’Donnell featured it on her popular television show. By November and December, a nationwide shortage developed, with the $28.99 retail toy selling for up to $1,500 on the resale market. By year-end, Tyco had sold 1 million units, making Tickle Me Elmo the year’s hottest toy and single-handedly reviving the company’s fortunes.
Mattel announced its intention to acquire Tyco for $755 million in November 1996. The deal was completed in March 1997, resulting in the elimination of 2,700 jobs across both companies. At the time of acquisition, Tyco was the third-largest toy company in the United States. Mattel integrated Tyco’s products into existing divisions, moving Sesame Street toys and View-Master to Fisher-Price, while placing R/C vehicles under the Hot Wheels division.
Legacy (1997-Present)
Tyco’s Mount Laurel offices were closed in 2005, with operations transferred to Mattel’s California headquarters. The Tyco brand survived as the “Tyco R/C” division for approximately 15 years after the acquisition. Former Tyco slot cars were eventually rebranded as “Electric Hot Wheels” within Mattel’s product lineup. In 2019, the Tyco trademark was acquired by Harden Creek Slot Cars, marking a new chapter for the historic brand name.
From a small hobby train company founded in 1926, Tyco evolved into America’s third-largest toy manufacturer through strategic pivots, key acquisitions, and innovative products. The company’s journey from model railroads to R/C dominance, culminating in the Tickle Me Elmo phenomenon, represents one of the toy industry’s most dramatic success stories before its ultimate integration into the Mattel empire.
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Jessica M.
My 8-year-old has been racing this thing around our backyard for months and it still works perfectly. Even survived being ‘tested’ from our second-story deck.
Marcus D.
Finally, a building set that kept both my kids busy for hours instead of minutes. The motor actually has some power behind it, and the pieces snap together without falling apart constantly.
Lisa Chen
Bought this for my nephew’s birthday and ended up playing with it more than he did. The flip feature actually works like in the videos, which honestly surprised me.