BEIJING – Wholesale Toys are in the news these days, as officials from the US open the first overseas consumer product safety office in China. The establishment of this office is aimed at supporting a cooperative measure that coordinates the efforts of Chinese manufacturers and American companies to help reduce the number of recalls in the toy market.

Reporters attending a briefing in Hong Kong last week were told that the initiative comes as a means to increase awareness about standards, while promoting business that doesn’t rely heavily upon recalls.

Although there have been numerous cases of complaints from American buyers about Chinese manufacturers and toys that fail to pass the tests, things have improved drastically. The US commission last year ordered about 400 recalls on products worldwide, with the Chinese-made products falling from over 340 recalls to only 220 in the same time period.

Meanwhile in the USA, there are campaigns in motion to rebuild a sagging manufacturing base that once held very high standards.

In the Midwest, the marble industry has revved into high gear, by completing the steps needed to achieve certification as the first toy company ever to receive the coveted “Made in USA” label.

Paden City-based Marble King has been granted license, giving a renewed sense of confidence to locals who felt all toys were going to be coming from overseas from now on.

When asked why the move was made to produce the high-quality marbles in the USA instead of outsourcing to a cheaper alternative in another country, the company’s spokesperson replied by pointing out that not only does the label “Made in USA” add a great deal of value to the product, it also offsets concerns amid imported products in the toy category that have become the focus of media attention lately. As concerns grow, the designation becomes more valuable and important.

Additionally, the company feels that maintaining the general public’s support in purchasing products made in the USA are critical to keeping manufacturing jobs alive.

Experts who were asked about the decision commented, pointing out that while one company making toys doesn’t necessarily rescue the entire manufacturing industry, it certainly does present a highly provocative opportunity to those who carefully select which kinds of manufacturing jobs receive attention, and which others are sent overseas.

As for Marble King, production ends every day with roughly 1 million marbles made. Locals who have lived in Paden City for decades all seem to agree that the company has been recognized as a leader in quality and standards for over 50 years.

Another interesting aspect of the marble production center is the utilization of recycled goods to manufacture a high quality product. The majority of marbles being formed from the center are made with scrap glass from factories in the area, much of which would end up in a landfill if it wasn’t put to use.

Wholesale Toys may undergo more changes in the near future, as the prevailing thoughts surrounding the industry seem to be shifting towards a goal of finding alternatives to buying American-made goods.