Spot On
Spot-On models was a new range from Tri-ang, a division of Lines Brothers, who, after World War II, claimed to be the largest toy maker in the world. In the 1950s, Dinky Toys from Liverpool, had a successful range of vehicles and then in 1956 Corgi Toys, made by Mettoy, were marketed. Not wishing to miss out on a commercial opportunity, Lines Brothers started its own range in 1959 – made in its factory in Northern Ireland. Murray Lines was put in personal charge of model selection.
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The factory had been built in the Castlereagh area of Belfast just after World War II when the Lines Brothers expanded (another factory in southern Wales was opened at the same time; Hammond 1993, p. 9; Hammond 1998, p. 477). At various times, this factory produced several ranges of toys for various names within the Lines Brothers' group, including Pedigree Soft Toys Ltd., Rovex Industries Ltd. and Lines Brothers (Ireland) Ltd. (Buising website; Hammond, 1998, p. 17). About 1960, a smaller factory was opened on the grounds of the Belfast site – specifically for the Spot-On range (Buising website; Hammond 1993). There were three main product ranges: Spot-On cars, Spot-On doll house furniture, and Arkitex construction kits (Hammond 1998, p. 477).
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