Funskool is a household name in the Indian toy industry, and it has been at the forefront of innovation and quality for decades. It was established as a joint venture in 1987, and thereafter, the company has evolved into a leader in toy manufacturing and distribution. It has shaped the landscape of children’s entertainment in India and beyond. Its logo has not changed since its inception, an aspect dealt with in the article below.
The Genesis of the Funskool Logo (1987 – Present)
The Funskool logo has remained the same since it was crafted the first time in 1987. It features the brand name in a simple and playful typeface in white against a rectangular red background with rounded corners. In the wordmark, the letters “Os” are connected to each other in a slanted way. The logotype emphasised trustworthiness and playfulness and aligned with the company’s mission to deliver safe, high-quality toys to the customers.
The Elements of the Funskool Logo
Font
The logotype used in the Funskool logo is characterised by bold typography. This clean and simple font ensures easy recognition.
Colour
The minimalist design of the Funskool logo reflects modern branding trends and retains an element of playfulness. The logo is designed in a red colour scheme to symbolise passion, dynamism, and fun.
The History of Funskool
Funskool was conceived in 1987 as a joint venture between the MRF Group, an Indian industrial giant, and Hasbro Inc., a global leader in toys and family leisure products. The company began commercial operations in 1988 by inaugurating its first manufacturing facility in Corlim, Goa. This marked the beginning of its journey to provide high-quality toys to Indian children while adhering to international standards of safety and design.
During its early years, Funskool focused on introducing licensed international brands to the Indian market. It partnered with global players such as Disney, Warner Bros., Takara Tomy, and Ravensburger to manufacture and distribute toys under their licences. This strategy helped establish Funskool as a trusted name for premium toys. The company also launched indigenous brands like Giggles, which is one of the first completely Indian toy lines aimed at infants and preschoolers. By commissioning additional manufacturing facilities in Ranipet near Chennai, Funskool expanded its production capacity significantly during this period.
In 2014, Hasbro exited the joint venture and made Funskool a wholly-owned subsidiary of the MRF Group. This transition allowed Funskool to focus more on indigenous branding while continuing to manufacture licensed products. The company surpassed competitors like Mattel to become the market leader in the mid-to-premium range of toys in India. Funskool also ventured into exports during this period and supplied toys to over 30 countries across Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. In 2019, it opened its third factory at Ranipet, dedicated exclusively to handling export orders.
Funskool has continued to innovate by acquiring licences for popular brands like Chhota Bheem action figures and Asmodee’s board game Abalone. It introduced electronic toys under the Leapfrog brand and expanded its portfolio with iconic products such as Rubik’s Cube and Beyblades. The company strongly focuses on quality and safety and has earned certifications like ISO 9001:2015 and Disney’s International Labour Standards Certification. It has also increased its manufacturing capacity by over 80% across its facilities in Goa and Ranipet to meet growing demand.
Funskool operates three state-of-the-art factories in places like Goa and Ranipet. In Corlim, Goa, Funskool started the first manufacturing plant, and the facility covers an area of 150,000 sq. ft. In Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, Funskool produces toys for the domestic market within a facility that has a built-up area of 90,000 sq. ft. The second factory in Ranipet is dedicated to exports, and the facility has a built-up area of 55,000 sq. ft.
Funskool boasts one of the largest ranges of toys offered by any Indian company. Its portfolio includes licensed international brands such as Disney, Warner Bros., Lego (until 2019), Takara Tomy, and Ravensburger. It also has indigenous brands like Giggles. Also, popular collectibles such as Beyblades and Rubik’s Cubes form part of the portfolio.
Funskool has played an important role in elevating the standards of the Indian toy industry. It did so by introducing high-quality products that promote cognitive development and creativity among children. Besides, it has influenced parents to invest in toys that contribute positively to child development. Additionally, its export success has positioned India as a competitive player in global toy manufacturing.
Interesting Facts About Funskool
- Funskool started as a joint venture between MRF Ltd (Madras Rubber Factory) and Hasbro Inc., the American toy giant known for brands like G.I. Joe, Transformers, and My Little Pony.
- Funskool manufactures and markets toys from Hasbro, Lego (earlier), Disney, and many others. It also produces its own original brands like Giggles (for toddlers) and Fundough (modelling clay).
- Funskool doesn’t just serve the Indian market. It exports toys to more than 15 countries, including the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia.
- Funskool has three large factories located in Goa, Ranipet (Tamil Nadu), and Sri City (Andhra Pradesh). These have world-class manufacturing facilities that follow international safety and quality standards.
- Funskool has exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute some classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Cluedo in India.
- It was one of the first Indian companies to introduce licensed toys in India. It brought international characters like Barbie, Transformers, and Play-Doh to Indian kids.
- Funskool operates its own chain of exclusive retail stores in major cities across India, where it offers a wide range of toys under one roof.
- Funskool has also moved toward eco-friendly manufacturing practices. It aims to reduce plastic waste and use sustainable materials wherever possible.
- With decades of experience, Funskool is seen as a trusted, safe, and high-quality toy brand by Indian parents — a rare feat in a market flooded with cheap imports..
Finally
The Funskool logo and its consistency over the years are a testament to the brand’s adaptability and growth over decades. From its humble beginnings as part of a joint venture to becoming India’s leading toy manufacturer, each iteration of the logo has reflected its journey toward innovation, independence, and global recognition.