SEATTLE—Passionate Playground LLC—a female-founded, veteran and LGBT owned company that takes the Joyboxx—announces the successful onshoring of its product manufacturing from China to the state of Washington.
“Our onshoring decision had nothing to do with current political climate of the U.S.-China ‘trade war,’” said Joyboxx inventor and Passionate Playground founder/CEO Deborah Semer. “We started looking for alternatives a year ago after a series of epic manufacturing ‘war stories.’ I will admit, we are very happy with the timing!"
The upstart company in 2014 released its Joyboxx + Playtray, a patented, antimicrobial storage box system that protects people, furniture and adult toys before, during and after use.
Semer determined that the lower cost of goods (COGS) were neutralized by the inconsistent manufacturing and shipping process after four long years of problematic manufacturing in China.
Semer spent time looking for alternatives to Chinese manufacturing that could compete with their price.
“The quality and expertise of the U.S. factories I visited were night and day compared to the factories in China and Mexico,” Semer said. “I actually cried from relief at my first U.S. production meeting.”
Passionate Playground investor Jillian Murphy is not only an immigrant-turned-U.S. citizen, but also a medically retired U.S. Army combat veteran who served 16 1/2 years as a lesbian officer under “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” When asked what this timely move means to her, Murphy said, “Having Joyboxx made in the USA means a lot to me! I have served this country abroad, I pay taxes and I believe in the values and quality here. I know the increase in price will be worth it.”
Joyboxx + Playtray are dishwasher safe and made from BPA-free, food-grade, recyclable plastic with an antimicrobial additive. In addition to being the leading adult toy storage system, it is also a popular ‘stash box’ that protects cannabis, medications and other legal products from children, pets and prying people.
The first Joyboxx Made-in–the-USA production is scheduled to begin this summer with Semer overseeing and enjoying every manufacturing moment.
Joyboxx is available at joyboxx.com on Amazon, Groupon and other retailers.