100 Years of John
Founded in 1926, JOHN has grown from a small workshop into an internationally recognised toy company and celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026
After the war in 1945, the family rebuilt the business in Germany after which JOHN expanded from tyre production into toys and sports balls,
becoming the market leader through innovation, quality and strong licensing partnerships, including Disney.
Today, with around 200 employees and 2 production sites in Freilassing and Bulgaria,
JOHN produces more than 10 million of balls each year and continues its success story as a family business now led into its third generation – from families, for families.
Family JOHN 2026 (f. l. t. r): Markus, Sarah,
Andrea, Susanne, Markus Jun., Sofie
Family business since 1926
As a third-generation family business, we have been working as a team with our employees since our foundation and are continuing on our successful path together.
This cooperation is not only a motivation for us, it is the basis for successful work that has guaranteed innovation and reliability for 100 years now.
Andrea and Susanne John
From Děčín to Freilassing, Bavaria
Albin John with his wife Marie and his sons Hans and Walter in the 1940s.
1926
Albin John opens a shop for tyre repairs in Děčín (CZ).
1927
Introduction of the steam vulcanization process for the reconditioning of tyres.
1938
Sales agent for the car-manufacturers VOMAG and Stöwer.
1945
Expulsion from Děčín and escape to Freilassing/Bavaria.
1948
Reopening of a tyre-shop in a small shed in Freilassing.
Got the Ball rolling
Albin John (middle) with his sons Hans (left) and Walter (right) in front of the company building at the Jennerstraße, Freilassing.
1953
Move to a new building in the Jennerstraße and start of the ball production alongside the tyre business.
1954
First time exhibitor at the Toy Fair in Nuremberg.
1957
Division of the company for transfer to his sons in Reifen-JOHN (Walter John) and JOHN-Thermoplastic (Hans John).
1965
First JOHN catalogue is published. The product range manufactured in Freilassing includes balls, toy figurines and inflatables.
1972
Internationalisation of the business
with initial imports and exports.
Death of the company founder Albin John.
Ideas and Innovations
Third generation presenting the JOHN products with a lot of fun.
1973
JOHN introduces a broad variety of inflatable outdoor products.
1975
The first licensed Disney balls mark the beginning of a success story that continues to this day.
1976
JOHN celebrates the company‘s 50th anniversary.
1983
JOHN introduces the tampon print for high-quality printing on balls, and a process for shipping deflated balls.
1990
Presentation of the large JOHN-assortment in the Freilassing showroom.
The World of Balls
Hans John proudly presents 75 years of JOHN companies together with his daughters Susanne and Andrea.
1994
Susanne John joins the company. The reorganisation of the assortment begins with the focus on the World of Balls
1995
Andrea John joins the company.
1996
JOHN exhibits at the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, creating export opportunities throughout the world.
2001
JOHN-companies celebrate 75 years of business with a fabulous party.
2002
Death of Hans John. The two daugthers take over the management of the company.
The Dynamic Duo
In 2014, JOHN is honoured for 60 years as an exhibitor at the Nuremberg Toy Fair.
2006
4th generation presenting the new play tents and actual assortment with a lot of fun.
2019
JOHN takes over Beluga and establishes itself as an outdoor specialist.
2023
The new production facility in Bulgaria is starting ball production, thereby securing the supply chain.
2024
Complete takeover of JOHN Leisure UK.
2026
The big anniversary year with 100 years of JOHN companies, 70 years as an exhibitor at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg and 50 years as a Disney licensee.