The Lauri Story

The Birth of a Toy Company
     The first Lauri product, Fit-a-Space, was created in 1961 in Haverhill, Massachusetts by a retired school teacher. She knew she wanted to develop an innovative teaching aid that would also be fun, but the challenge was how.
     The solution was right under her nose. More accurately, it was right under her feet! She and her husband owned a small shoe shop, and they discovered they could die-cut the Crepe Rubber used for slipper soles to make a small puzzle. Fit-a-Space was a huge success, and it was the genesis of a new toy company, Lauri Enterprises (as it was known in the early days).

Born in Maine (1961-2003)
     In 1968 the company moved to Avon, a small community nestled in the western foothills of Maine. An abandoned gas station converted into a factory served as the first Maine manufacturing facility for Lauri.
     During the next seven years, Lauri manufactured products primarily for schools. Teachers were delighted with the revolutionary new Lauri teaching aids (often called manipulatives in their profession). In 1970 Lauri developed the first Crepe Rubber picture puzzles. Teachers loved the 'logical piece' concept; each one a single, solid color representing a specific shape. These puzzles became classics, first winning national recognition in 1977, and still earning awards in 2000.

Pennsylvania is our New Home (2003)
     In 2003 the company was purchased by Smethport Specialty Company of Smethport, Pennsylvania. The entire Lauri operation moved from Avon, Maine to Smethport, Pennsylvania. Improvements were made to the factory in Smethport to accommodate the necessary materials and machines to produce Lauri toys.

People and Services
     Dedication to customer service is a key to long-term success. Live voices answer your phone calls -- real people who can answer your questions about Lauri toys and the famous replacement piece service.
     The replacement piece service is rated #1 by teachers and parents. Obtaining the replacement for a lost piece is immensely valuable. And customers applaud the 'no back-order' policy too. Shipping complete orders within 48 hours is no easy task, but skilled, dedicated employees make it happen.