Tonka Toys

Tonka toys have been enjoyed by kids for over 60 years with the first tonka truck released in 1947 by a company named Mound Metalcraft. The toy trucks were manufactured in a small warehouse located in Mound Minnesota. The tonka truck toys were designed to be tough and durable to last for years. As  the slogan in their tv commercials “They’re made Tonka tough” and they sure were.

In the first year 37,000 tonka tough trucks were manufactured in two designs: a crane and steam shovel.  The Tonka trucks popularity grew especially after World War II and the demand outweighed what was produced. A year’s worth of inventory sold out in a few months.

The Tonka company never compromised on the quality and durability of their toys. They wanted children to have as much play time with their toys and to last for years to come, which they did.

Since the first Tonka toys, there have been over 250 million sold and till now their toys still are tough and can withstand just about anything that could be thrown at them. What started as two trucks grew to a complete line of  trucks as well as playsets.

Some of the most popular Tonka toys included the Mighty Dump and Mighty Age, where the Tonka Mighty Series grew considerably to include Mighty Clam, Shovel, Crane, Scraper, Bulldozer, Car Carrier, Wrecker, Roller, Hydraulic Dump, Bottom Dump, Loadmaster, Mixer and Grader.  Over time nore vehicle categories were added which included  Rescue Vehicle, Forklift, Adventure Buggy, Earth Mover and Mighty Winnebago.

New addtions and quality toy products continued to be added with the first talking Tonka toy “Chuck My Talking Truck”. In 1991, Mound Metalcraft and the signature Tonka toy line was purchased by Hasbro, which has been expanded to include dolls for both girls and boys, pound puppies and computer games.