Since its beginning, Lego has enjoyed a wide range of production features. These features have enabled Lego to develop some of the most loved toys on the market. They include an innovative interlocking mechanism, as well as the use of plastic in place of other materials. These unique features have enabled the company to become the leading toy maker in the world.
The 1960s saw the company grow at a rapid rate. Dagny, Godtfred Kirk Christiansens cousin, joined the company in the year 1960 as a model builder. Dagny had a knack for making large scale models and worlds that were displayed in the showroom. This was a great way to show the possibilities of LEGO bricks, and to spark interest among children.
In 1971, the LEGO system began to expand with the addition of furniture pieces and dollhouses. The LEGO system grew further in 1972 when it added of ship and boat sets with hulls that floated. The 1960s also saw the company begin international expansion with sales in North America through a licensing agreement with Samsonite.
In the 1980s the company continued to expand and diversify its offerings, as well as modernize. The company also incorporated the department of research and design, which worked to keep the LEGO System in the forefront of innovation. It also saw the introduction of themed sets that allowed the user to create specific models without having to figure out what to do on their own. This was the first step towards building more complex models and also allowed children to have a more interactive experience with legos.