— This is the script of CNBC's news report for China's CCTV on December 23, Tuesday.
It's one of the most iconic U-S holiday toys -- the Lincoln Logs.
And after decades of being made in China, the toymaker behind it has finally brought manufacturing back home.
Courtney Reagan has more.
LINCOLN LOGS IS AMONG THE MOST ICONIC AMERICAN TOYS....BUT FOR THE LAST 60 YEARS THE WOODEN TOYS HAVE BEEN MADE IN CHINA.
(VO - LINCOLN LOGS MANUFACTURING HERE)
NOT ANYMORE.
[Michael ARATEN, K'NEX CEO] "Over the last 4 years, although we had some fits and starts, moved the Lincoln Logs production back to the US with Pride Manufacturing in Maine"
[Randy Dicker, Sr Director of Manufacturing, Pride Manufacturing] "we operate within a 250 mile radius pulling in wood a little bit from neighboring states (cover cut with broll, butt to) 12:00:05ish "...we've matched colors, got the spec right, the strength right, we're ready for 2015 -- Pride's ready and K'NEX is ready"
(VO - MORE BROLL FROM PRIDE MANUFACTURING) CONSUMER REPORTS SAYS GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN A PRODUCT MADE IN THE U.S. AND AN IDENTICAL ONE MADE ABROAD, 78% OF AMERICANS WOULD RATHER BUY THE DOMESTIC VERSION...AND THEY'RE ALSO WILLING TO PAY MORE. BUT THAT'S NOT AN ISSUE FOR LINCOLN LOGS.
[Michael ARATEN, K'NEX CEO] "With us, we don't give them that choice. We make sure that it's the same price as it was before. It's on us to deliver the value and deliver the customer experience and deliver the price value equation"
(COURT STAND-UP)
WHILE MANY CHILDREN HAVE MADE CHRISTMAS WISH LISTS ON APPS THAT ARE FULL OF DIGITAL TOYS -- LIKE IPADS -- KNEX CEO MICHAEL ARATEN SAYS TOTAL U.S. RETAIL TOY SALES HAVE REMAINED AROUND THE $22 BILLION MARK OVER THE PAST DECADE, AND HE BELIEVES THERE IS STILL STRONG DEMAND FOR NON-DIGITAL, IMAGINATIVE TOYS LIKE LINCOLN LOGS AND PRIDE MANUFACTURING SAYS HE'S RIGHT.
[Randy Dicker, Sr Director of Manufacturing, Pride Manufacturing] "that iconic name meant a lot to people, and the fact that is was going to be Made in the US again generated, or sparked interest in the people"
[Michael ARATEN, K'NEX CEO] "families with discretionary income who are buying things during the holiday season, like ours, especially for young children, love to buy things made in America. There is no more powerful brand in the world than Made in the USA".
COURTNEY REAGAN, CNBC, IN BURNHAM, MAINE.
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