Around 80% of MB Espana's moulding work is expected to transfer to Asia

Around 80% of MB Espana's moulding work is expected to transfer to Asia

MB Espana, a subsidiary of US toy giant Hasbro, plans to cease production of plastic toys at its plant in Valencia. Around 80% of the moulding work is expected to transfer to Asia – in particular China – while the rest will be taken up by Hasbro’s Ireland facility. MB says the Valencia plant has become “economically unviable”.

As well as producing a range of toys for its parent company, MB Espana has recently diversified into contract manufacturing. The company, which employs around 550 employees in peak season, expects to retain around 100 staff in Spain dedicated to product commercialisation.

The factory performed many advanced techniques such as two-component moulding and gas injection moulding, using 48 injection moulding machines ranging from 100 to 650 tonnes. The regional government of Valencia has admitted it will oppose the closure.