Mattel opens Lebanon County distribution facility

Toymaker Mattel, whose products include the iconic doll, has opened a million-square-foot East Coast distribution center in Lebanon County.

Located at the junction of Interstate 81 and Interstate 78, the new Jonestown facility in the Gateway Logistics Park area is fully operational, and will employ up to 400 people during peak season, company officials said.

California-based Mattel is known not just for Barbie, but for popular brands including American Girl, Hot Wheels and Thomas & Friends. The warehouse will handle Mattel products, including Mega Brands, and eventually its Fisher-Price brand items.

“We warmly welcome Mattel to our county,” said Susan Eberly, President and CEO of the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation. “Their beloved toys and consumer products have had a special place in the hearts and homes of our citizens for decades, and now, this distribution center will enable the company to directly contribute to and invest in our local economy as well.”

The center is operated and staffed for Mattel by national logistics firm Ryder System, Inc.

“This facility is centrally located (for) our customers in the region, allowing us to serve them more rapidly and efficiently,” said Philippe Lambotte, Mattel’s senior vice president for global logistics and planning, global development and product supply.

Mattel’s other distribution centers are in California and Texas.

Mattel entered a long-term lease agreement with MRP Industrial and Clarion Partners joint-venture for the development of the Jonestown facility in September 2016.

The new Class A building features 36-foot clear heights, nearly 15,000 square feet of office space, dedicated automobile and distribution ingress/egress points and up to 450 secured off-building trailer storage stalls.