The Lego Group

The woodworking shop, 'Billund Woodworking and Carpenter's Shop', which would eventually evolve into the Lego company, was founded in Billund.

Ole Kirk Christiansen purchases the small woodworking shop in Billund.

In 1934, two years after starting to make toys, Ole Kirk Christiansen officially named his company LEGO by combining two Danish words meaning 'play well'. This marked the official beginning of the iconic LEGO brand.

The year 1936 saw a significant change as the company's name was officially changed to LEGO, a name that would become iconic in the toy industry.

In 1937, Ole Kirk Kristiansen makes a significant financial investment by purchasing a state-of-the-art milling machine for his company. The machine is bought for DKK 4,000, equivalent to one-third of the company's total profit the previous year, with the aim of improving the quality of wooden toys production.

In 1940, the Kiddicraft Company patented the first Interlocking Building Cubes, featuring distinctive studs on top and hollows on the bottom for firm stacking. However, the full potential and versatility of the design were not fully realized at the time.

In March 1942, a devastating fire engulfs Ole Kirk Kristiansen's woodworking factory, almost destroying his life's work. Despite the loss, with the support of family, employees, and Vejle Bank's loan, Ole Kirk decides to rebuild the factory in Billund, securing the jobs of his employees. The new toy factory is completed by the end of the year, marking a new chapter for LEGO production.

In 1947, LEGO ventured into the production of plastic toys, a move that would revolutionize the toy industry with its innovative designs.

LEGO bricks, invented by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, became commercially available in 1949, marking the beginning of their journey to becoming one of the most beloved and best-selling toys worldwide.

On January 28, 1958, LEGO patented the brick design that is still used today. This design has remained unchanged and is a key element in the success and popularity of LEGO sets.

In 1974, Lego figures were introduced, starting with the Lego family.

The Lego Space minifigure was introduced in 1978 and is considered one of the most distinctive Lego pieces.

In 1979, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the son of Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, takes over as the president and CEO of the LEGO Group, marking a new era of leadership within the company.

On August 13, 1982, The Lego Group commemorated its 50th anniversary, highlighting its enduring legacy and impact on the toy industry.

By 1983, the Lego company had grown significantly to employ 3,700 individuals globally, showcasing its rapid expansion and success in the toy industry.

LEGO collaborated with the Media Lab at MIT in 1984 to work on programmable bricks, laying the foundation for innovative projects in the future.

Danish Foreign Minister, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, inaugurated the LEGO Centre at Birkenhead Point in Sydney, Australia in 1985, marking the first permanent LEGO shop outside Billund.

Following Godtfred Kirk Christiansen's resignation, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen assumed the role of chairman at Lego System A/S and Lego Overseas.

In 1992, Lego sets achieved two Guinness World Records for their impressive creations.

In 1997, approximately 4.8 million pieces of LEGO were lost at sea, and some of these pieces are still being found washed up on shores to this day.

In 1998, the partnership between LEGO Group and MIT resulted in the creation of LEGO MINDSTORMS, a revolutionary product that allows users to build and program intelligent LEGO models, combining technology and creativity.

In 1999, Lego produces the first licensed theme in collaboration with Lucasfilm - Star Wars, marking a significant milestone in Lego's product offerings.

LEGO bricks were named Toy of the Century in 2000, winning the title twice and surpassing iconic toys like teddy bears and Barbie. This recognition solidified LEGO's status as a beloved and influential toy.

BIONICLE is introduced as a unique combination of storytelling, construction toys, and action figures.

In 2003, Lego Group faced a significant financial setback as they reported a record loss for the fiscal year.

In 2004, Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, the CEO of Lego, implemented a restructuring plan by selling off non-essential parts of the business and reducing the number of Lego components. He also introduced the concept of 'Moments of Truth' for Lego products.

The LEGO Group partners with Lucasfilm Ltd. to produce a range of LEGO sets inspired by the iconic Star Wars movies, allowing fans to build and play with their favorite characters and scenes.

Lisbeth Valther Pallesen makes history by becoming the first woman appointed to Lego's executive management team.

On January 28, 2008, Lego commemorated the 50th anniversary of the patent for its iconic interlocking blocks, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.

LEGO selects Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, to be part of its Architecture series, which showcases iconic architectural landmarks. The building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and completed in 2010, stands at 828 meters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In 2011, Lego introduced the first and second series of Lego Minifigures, which became popular collectibles among Lego enthusiasts.

The Lego Group commemorates their 80 years of existence.

Lego launched the Mindstorms EV3 in 2013, a robotics kit that allows users to build and program their own robots.

In June, participants in Milan, Italy set a new Guinness World Record by building a 35-meter tower made of over half a million colorful LEGO bricks.

Jorgen Vig Knudstorp resigns as CEO of The Lego Group, and Bali Padda is appointed as the new CEO on 1 January 2017.

Bali Padda steps down as CEO of The Lego Group, and Niels B. Christiansen takes over as the new CEO on 1 October 2017.

In 2018, LEGO announced plans to use a new type of plastic made from sugar cane for greenery in their toys, with a goal to be completely zero waste in production and have all core products made from sustainable materials by 2030.

The history of Billund, Denmark's LEGO Group, including LEGO Bricks, LEGOLANDs, MINDSTORMS, minifigures, and more.

The history of LEGO, the iconic toy, is a fascinating story that dates back to its creation in 1932. The toy has evolved over the years to become a beloved and timeless classic, captivating generations of children and adults alike.

The LEGO Group announced plans to build a new, carbon-neutral factory in Chesterfield County, Virginia, starting in the fall of 2022. The facility aims to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable resources.

LEGO aims to achieve zero waste packaging by 2025, responding to consumer requests, including children, for more environmentally friendly practices.