Founded in 1952, HTI is one of the UK’s largest independent designers and manufacturers of children’s toys, with a long-standing reputation for supplying some of the world’s biggest retailers. The company operates globally, with offices and showrooms in the UK, Hong Kong, Germany, Holland, and China. HTI has a clear vision to become the first choice for high-quality, innovative toys, aiming to provide children worldwide with the opportunity to grow and have fun through imaginative play. The company began its journey as David Halsall Ltd, initially supplying UK-made toys and fireworks. A key turning point came in 1968 when Graham Halsall joined the company and the decision was made to begin importing manufactured goods from the Far East. This move sparked a period of rapid growth for the business. John Hutt, who joined the company in the Sample department, quickly advanced through various roles, from Sales Representative to Buyer, and eventually became Commercial Director.
In 1989, the company moved into a new purpose-built facility at Cornford Road in Blackpool, which spanned 11,000m², to support its expanding operations. The growth continued, and in 1993, the company relocated to a new 30,000m² site in Fleetwood, marking another key milestone in its development. The company’s shift towards importing and manufacturing further took shape with the opening of a permanent sales office and showroom in Hong Kong. This move helped the company strengthen its international presence and enabled them to forge key licensing deals with big-name brands like Barbie, Spiderman, JCB, and Silver Cross. In the 1990s, John Hutt, Graham Halsall, and Andrew Coplestone led a management buyout (MBO) of the company. This transition marked a new era for the company, focusing on product development and international sales. As part of this new strategy, HTI consolidated its operations by closing divisions such as Stationery, Halloween, and Christmas Decorations, instead concentrating on specific product categories. This shift led to the opening of a showroom in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, becoming a key destination for global buyers to explore the latest HTI product ranges. The company also expanded its footprint in Europe with the opening of a showroom in Nuremberg, Germany, enhancing its international presence.
In 2010, HTI rebranded to HTL, marking a fresh chapter for the company. The expansion continued with the opening of a new Hong Kong office in 2013, situated in a state-of-the-art development in the heart of Kwun Tong. This was followed by the opening of a dedicated novelty showroom in Kwun Tong. By 2018, the in-house design team moved into a fully equipped design studio, strengthening HTI’s creative capabilities. In 2019, the company further expanded its showroom network with a new location in TST East, Hong Kong, to showcase its Pocket Money and Bubbles ranges.
Throughout its history, HTI has evolved into a leading force in the toy industry, with an ever-expanding portfolio of products, an emphasis on design and innovation, and a robust global presence.
