
The story of Hama
Malte Haaning Plastic A/S was founded by Malte Haaning in 1961. The start of it all was the production of straws, and it developed into other plastic items such as chopsticks, skipping rope, fly swatters, bird feeders and many other fun things.
When there was a greater demand for tube beads than the producers at the time could meet, Malte Haaning decided to enter this production.
The Midi beads were introduced in 1971, and today they make up the vast majority of our turnover. In 1978 Mini was added and in 1982 Maxi. In the late 1970s, Malte Haaning developed the ironing method, before then the beads were glued to either plastic trays or pieces of cardboard.
In 1984, the HAMA name was registered as a trademark. The name is derived from the name of the company's founder: HA = the first 2 letters of the surname and MA = the first 2 letters of the first name.
As a natural continuation of product development, the Maxi Stick was created.
The company was transformed into an A/S in 1992. After Malte Haaning's death in 1999, his youngest daughter Lene Haaning was appointed director and a new board was appointed.
In 2011, traceability was introduced throughout production and the packaging plants.
2015 was the year Hama got its own app - Hama universe, and in 2018 Hama opened its YouTube channel.
We sell Hama products to more than 50 countries worldwide.
Time line
Malte Haaning Plastic is founded
’71 beads and pin plates are introduced
’79 The ironing method is launched
’82 Hama System is launched
’83 First Box No. 561
’84 The Hama logo is presented
’85 Inspiration 1 is printed
’87 First blister packs
’89 The raw material in the bead is changed from PVC to PE
’93 Press the system
’02 Hama Design program
’02 Website - www.hama.dk
’11 Webshop with the entire Hama range
’15 App - Hama Universe
’17 Hama Safari Park opens
’18 YouTube channel “Hama”
’20 Instagram profile @beadsbyhama
