Wing Sang Toys Fty

Toy gun fun never stops

Many of us received our first toy gun sets as early as at five or six. At that age, many of our idols were gun-sling heroes, such as "G-I-Joe". Despite the controversy over issues of violence, guns are a symbol authority and justice - now our children see policemen carrying revolving guns everywhere, "Rambo" eliminating villains with his shotgun on the silver screen or CNN broadcasting American soldiers patrolling on a Iraqi street with an M-16 rifle.

Loaded with a long history in the toy industry, the Hong Kong-based Wing Sang Toys Factory Ltd has been supplying children for many years with its toy guns. Some of their most popular products have been the replicas of "Glock 17" pistols carried by most American cops and the M-16 series automatic rifle used in the Middle-East battlefield.

"Some adults are sensitive to the possible violence effect toy guns may bring to their children. But I believe more in the values of law and order that toys guns can bring," said Ms Annie Sit, executive secretary to Wing Sang Toys. "There is actually a value in letting kids play with toy guns. Playing with them and with their imagination can be a safe way to unleash the aggressive impulses that can have. The important thing is for children to understand the difference between fantasy and reality."

Smaller than the genuine article, Wing Sang's toy guns are cute and plastic-looking, and can be easily distinguished from the real ones. Furthermore, a safety precaution is built in the way of a red cap permanently affixed to the muzzle end of the barrel.

"Targeting kids aging five to eight, our products are basically harmless - they don't squirt "bullets". Although some models come with sound, all have passed the safety regulations set by the US government and the EU," she explained.

"Today's market is moving quickly, kids nowadays prefer electronic toys and video games. However, Wing Sang believes that a balance between electronic toys and traditional children's toys must be struck. Hence, we have developed the bubble guns and a range of other toys that are designed to mix electronics with simple outdoor fun."

When it comes to marketing strategies, taking part in trade fairs in indispensable. The company is a long-time supporter of Kenfair's exhibitions, particularly the Mega Shows held every October in Hong Kong. "The annual October Shows have become a big party for all Hong Kong toy makers. If you are absent for a year or so, you will be forgotten by all those buyers," she said commenting on the importance of the Kenfair's October Mega Show.

"To further develop our sales in the States, we are going to exhibit at Kenfair's American show, Kenfair Asian expo in Las Vegas this year," she added.

"While the war against terrorism continues, and increase of patriotism has made action figures featuring American soldiers this year's hot sellers. These action figures are armed with futuristic weapons of all kinds, such as guns, tanks, jetfighters, trucks, helicopters.

Wing Sang currently bases their manufacturing operations in Dongguan, the Mainland China. Its 16,000-square metre factory complex is staffed by over 1,000 well-trained workers. Its production is operated and monitored by an integrated professional team of specialists in product design, tooling, engineering, production and inspection. With the help of advanced systems, most prototypes can be done within seven days.

All products undergo laboratory tests to ensure the products are safe for children. The Certificate of Quality Licence by the Import and Export Commodity Inspection Bureau of China has been a symbol of quality for Wing Sang's playthings since 1996. Wing Sing's toy guns are safety ensured and bring endless hours of fun.