Beloved Chicago-area toy brand Magna-Tiles snaps together new Bolingbrook headquarters

Magna-Tiles is planning a major expansion in Bolingbrook, Illinois, with a new 245,000-square-foot headquarters that will combine offices, manufacturing, and distribution operations. According to theChicago Business Journal, construction is expected to begin in November at the Carlow Corporate Center, a large industrial and logistics park.

The project will strengthen the company’s long-standing presence in the Chicago suburbs. Magna-Tiles has operated in Bolingbrook since 1997, when Rudy and Noriko Valenta brought a Japanese magnetic block set to the United States through their company, Valtech, the Chicago Business Journal confirmed.

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A new base for manufacturing and operations

The facility will sit on an 11.69-acre site and include 21,000 square feet of two-story office space, according to theNBC 5 Chicago report. Plans also call for a 10,000-square-foot mezzanine, 15 loading docks, 24 trailer stalls and parking for nearly 200 vehicles.

Northern Builders, a Schiller Park-based real estate developer and general contractor, announced the agreement with Magna-Tiles. The company said the project will serve as Magna-Tiles’ new headquarters, warehouse and operations center. Northern Builders expects to complete construction by January 2028, a spokesperson told the Chicago Business Journal.

The number of employees who will work at the new site has not been determined. Financial terms of the agreement also were not disclosed.

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Expansion follows global growth

Mike Wehrli, co-owner of Magna-Tiles, said the headquarters will support the company’s international expansion and provide a more collaborative workplace for its growing team, according to the Chicago Business Journal.

Matthias Trizna, Northern Builders’ vice president of development and sales, added that Magna-Tiles reflects the type of growing brand the developer wants to attract to its business parks, the publication reported.

The Valenta family sold Magna-Tiles in 2021 but remains involved. Michael Valenta, the founders’ son, serves as president. The magnetic building sets are now sold in more than 80 countries, per the company’s website.

The brand also recently announced a licensing partnership with BBC Studios for a “Bluey” product line expected in mid-2027. Magna-Tiles has additionally launched “Magna-Tales,” an animated series streaming on YouTube.