Meccano Part 2: „A better way to build“ brought back to the United Kingdom with Addo Play

By Peter Thomas

After the successful relaunch of Meccano in the UK, we now focus on the people behind the construction kits. In the second part of our interview with Mary Price and David Martin from Addo Play, we discuss target groups, community and the new products that Meccano is using to inspire the next generation. The CEOs also discuss sustainability, personal motivation, and the challenges of modernising a traditional brand.

Who is your core target audience with the new Meccano range – kidults, children, model builders?

David: Our core target audience spans a wide age range, starting with children aged 10 and extending to adult enthusiasts. The core Meccano range is designed to appeal to budding engineers and seasoned builders alike, featuring the classic metal parts, gears, and advanced construction possibilities that challenge and inspire.

Mary: At the same time, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of creators by continuing to develop our Junior range for children aged 3 to 9. These beginner and intermediate sets are perfect for young builders taking their first steps into the world of engineering and imaginative play. In short, Meccano is for everyone—from curious kids to passionate adult model builders—offering a journey through creativity, learning, and hands-on innovation.

You have visited SkegEx, the world’s biggest Meccano meeting. How did the community react to Addo Play?

Mary: Our Marketing Manager and Engagement Manager attended SkegEx for the first time this year and they were truly astounded by the depth of engagement surrounding the Meccano brand. There were extraordinary levels of creativity, engineering skill, and passion that defines the Meccano community. The event was a powerful testament to Meccano’s enduring legacy and its unique place in the world of construction toys. From intricate classic train models and original sets to rare window displays, interactive games, and even mechanical dinosaurs, the variety and craftsmanship on display were truly remarkable. 

David: The response to Addo Play’s stewardship of the Meccano brand was overwhelmingly positive. Many long-time builders expressed their appreciation for our commitment to preserving Meccano’s heritage while also recognising the importance of evolving the brand to engage new generations. Our focus on accessibility, innovation, and community collaboration resonated strongly with attendees. We’re excited to continue building on this legacy and to maintain an open dialogue with the Meccano community.

Mary: Yes, engaging with the Meccano community remains a top priority as we continue to grow the brand. We aim to connect with enthusiasts through multiple touchpoints, including attendance at exhibitions and AGMs, while also enhancing our digital presence. The newly updated Meccano.com website and the Meccano official social media channels will serve as key platforms for sharing news, showcasing builds, and building the community, ensuring we stay closely connected with both long-time fans and a new generation of builders.

When will the first new sets be launched? And will there bea specific flagship product or set for adult model builders?

David: The first of the new Meccano sets will launch in September 2025. Leading the range is the Meccano 2-in-1 Race Car to Hyper Car set, featuring over 350 pieces, tools, and brand-new step-by-step instructions. Builders will be able to construct a sleek hypercar complete with scissor doors and working lights, then take it apart and rebuild it into a completely different race car, doubling the play value and creative challenge. Alongside this hero set, the Meccano Junior Free Build Bucket has been refreshed with new builds and easy-to-follow instructions, making it even more accessible for younger builders.

What will be your key retail and distribution channels? And into which markets will you bring Meccano? 

Mary: As of Autumn/Winter 2025, Meccano will relaunch in the UK through Addo Play’s partnership with the Teal Group. This collaboration ensures wide availability across more than 1,200 retail outlets, including major names such as The Entertainer and Tesco. Internationally, Meccano will be distributed in France by Bandai France, who will also manage Amazon distribution in Germany and Italy. We are currently in the final stages of confirming additional partners across other key European and Nordic markets, with announcements to follow soon.

David: Beyond Europe, Meccano will launch with a strong network of partners which include distributors in Canada, Australia & New Zealand, Argentina and direct to retail in North America. This phased, strategic rollout ensures that Meccano’s legacy is reignited with strong local partnerships and broad international reach.

Meccano used to be extremely important for STEM education. Will there be a digital or app-based component accompanying the physical kits? Or school kits?

David: Meccano is inherently a STEM product, and its very essence encourages hands on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. What makes it unique is that it naturally supports STEM education through construction, problem-solving, and creativity in an engaging and rewarding way. Meccano even continues to be used in classrooms and clubs around the world to this day, and we’re committed to evolving the brand in ways that inspire and support the next generation of builders. While there are no immediate plans for a digital or app-based component, there is certainly long-term interest in expanding Meccano’s presence in the digital space. We’re actively exploring opportunities to enhance the Meccano experience in ways that complement its classic construction play, whether through future product development or through digital integration in the future.

Will the product line be adapted for today’s generation of builders? And do you see potential for licensing?

Mary: Absolutely. We’re actively working to evolve the Meccano product line to better align with the interests and expectations of today’s builders. This includes incorporating a mix of evergreen themes and trending licensed properties, as well as focusing on play patterns that resonate with modern builders. One key area of growth will be in vehicle construction, which continues to be a highly engaging and relevant category. 

How can the traditional values and design principles of Meccano work in our digital age?

David: Meccano’s appeal lies at its core hands-on creativity, mechanical understanding, and the joy of building something real. In today’s digital age, where screens dominate much of our work, learning, and play, Meccano offers a refreshing and meaningful alternative. The beauty of Meccano is that it invites users of all ages to slow down, engage physically, and create with their hands. This kind of play is not only nostalgic for long-time fans but also incredibly relevant for new generations who crave authentic, unplugged experiences. Meccano bridges generations by staying true to its roots while inspiring future engineers, designers, and makers. In short, Meccano thrives in the digital age not by competing with technology, but by complementing it, reminding us of the value of building, doing, and discovering in the physical world.

What role does sustainability play in the design, material, production and packaging of Meccano kits?

Mary: At Addo Play, sustainability is a core pillar of our business strategy and brand values. We are committed to creating a better world for children, future generations, and the global communities we serve. This commitment is embedded in our Sustainability Strategy, which focuses on sustainable product and packaging design, responsible operations, ethical trading, community engagement, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. This ethos is clearly reflected in the Meccano brand. Meccano kits are inherently sustainable due to their use of durable metal parts that are designed for longevity and reusability. These components can be repurposed across multiple builds, encouraging continual play and reducing waste. In terms of packaging, we are equally mindful. All cardboard used is FSC-certified and fully recyclable, and our packaging is carefully engineered to use the minimum amount of material necessary without compromising product protection.

Has relaunching Meccano become a personal goal for you?

Mary: Absolutely! This is just the beginning of an incredibly meaningful journey for all of us. With Dave’s and my background in the construction toy category, stepping into the role of Meccano’s custodians feels like so much more than a business venture, it’s a true passion project. Every day, we uncover more of Meccano’s rich heritage and are reminded of how deeply it resonates with people across generations and around the world. That emotional connection is incredibly powerful.

Dave: We’re constantly inspired by the stories that the fans share. It’s a real privilege to be part of such an iconic brand and its culture. We’re genuinely excited about shaping its future and bringing it to new audiences. After all, how often do you get the chance to help write the next chapter of one of the world’s most recognised construction brands?”

What do you think, how would Frank Hornby feel, seeing Meccano coming back to the UK?

David: We’d like to think Frank Hornby would be proud. As the inventor of Meccano over 125 years ago and a true pioneer of educational play, he was ahead of his time, radical, innovative, and always pushing boundaries. It was in Frank Hornby’s time that Meccano became “The World’s Greatest Toy”. Seeing Meccano return to its UK roots would likely resonate deeply with him.

Mary: It’s a privilege for us to be the custodians of such a historic brand. While we honour its rich legacy, our mission is to modernise Meccano and to ensure it remains relevant and inspiring for today’s generation. Having British teams once again working on Meccano feels like a homecoming, and we hope Mr. Hornby would be pleased to see the brand evolving while staying true to the spirit of creativity and engineering he championed.

About the author

Telling stories about technology and people: This has fascinated Peter Thomas, the journalist, author, cultural scientist and lecturer for more than 30 years. Technical toys are always in focus, from construction kits to interactive digital educational toys. After studying and working as a research assistant at university, Peter Thomas writes for daily newspapers, magazines and corporate publications in German and English-speaking countries. In addition to the world of games, his focus is on mobility, security, energy and medical technology.