By John Sipple
Milwaukee — On Thursday, July 14, 2005, Walthers purchased the assets of the Toy and Hobby Division of Life-Like, LLC. Jerry Kandel, President of Life-Like stated, “This acquisition by Walthers will allow Life-Like to use its management team and resources to focus on its core business of retail foam, industrial foam, refrigerant gel and gliders.”
Wm. K Walthers, Inc. President and CEO Phil Walthers said, “This venture is a great opportunity for Walthers to help secure the future of model railroading by offering high-quality products for a wide variety of interests. The inclusion of Life-Like models allows us to create a complete range of products from entry level to expert. It’s a winning situation for Life-Like, Walthers, and model railroading enthusiasts.”
Life-Like Toy and Hobby will remain headquartered in Baltimore, MD, and Walthers expects no interruption in production and delivery of new Life-Like products. Additionally, Walthers plans to increase Life-Like product availability. Initial plans are to combine new product development teams from each company. The new Life-Like acquisition includes Proto 1000, Proto 2000, Heritage locomotives, Life-Like Road Racing, and Darda, plus the rest of the model railroad line.
Walthers Vice President of Marketing & Sales, John Sanheim, says, “Walthers is reaching out to new customers in an effort to expand our hobby’s enthusiast population. We’re achieving that by offering an abundance of new, diverse choices to match individual needs across all differing skill levels. Novice and experienced modelers alike will be offered everything they need to make their layout vision a reality.”
Phil Walthers said about this purchase, “This new acquisition is an important step in continuing our long-term commitment to the hobby. Walthers is determined to preserve the valued brands modelers trust. We’re dedicated to improving the hobby for generations to come.”
Supporting this statement are comments by various model railroaders who feel that ownership of Life-Like Toy and Hobby by Walthers to be a very logical move, giving the model maker ownership by a company devoted to model railroading. When this author contacted Walthers regarding the purchase, it was immediately clear that their sales staff was very excited and pleased. They feel the Life-Like product line is an excellent fit with the products already produced under the Walthers name.
A call to Life-Like’s Toy and Hobby division headquarters found everyone there and busy filling existing orders. Larry Grubb, product development manager, stated that the entire team is still together, and it seemed to him as though everyone was happy with the change. When asked about products for the future, he said that they were one or two years out on many new items. He added that there would be a round of meetings with Walthers personnel regarding products and developments. One thing about this acquisition does remain firm, however; Life-Like will remain in the Walthers catalog!
August 2005