Arconic Powers Jazwares' Squishmallows Series 11 with High-Performance Materials

PITTSBURGH, PA – October 26, 2023 – Arconic US LLC, a leading manufacturer of high-performance aluminum sheet, plate, and extrusions, is proud to play a vital role in the production of the wildly popular Jazwares Squishmallows Series 11. While many might not immediately connect aluminum to the super-soft world of Squishmallows, Arconic’s advanced materials are actually key to the efficient, high-volume manufacturing process that brings these huggable characters to life. You’ve probably seen Squishmallows everywhere – they're those incredibly soft, collectible plush toys that kids (and adults!) are obsessed with. Jazwares, a subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation, has been churning them out, and keeping up with demand requires serious manufacturing muscle. That's where Arconic comes in. “When Jazwares needed a reliable partner to deliver precision-engineered aluminum for their tooling and production lines, they came to us,” says a representative from Arconic’s Pittsburgh headquarters. “We’re not making the Squishmallows themselves, but we are making the tools that make the Squishmallows. It's a bit behind the scenes, but essential.” So, what exactly is Arconic providing? It’s not the fluffy filling! Instead, Arconic delivers custom-engineered aluminum plates and extrusions used in the molds and machinery that cut, form, and assemble the Squishmallows. Think of it as the skeletal structure that allows the magic to happen. Why Aluminum? You might wonder, why aluminum? Why not steel, or plastic? Several reasons. Precision: Squishmallows come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and colors. The molds need to be incredibly precise to ensure each Squishmallow meets Jazwares' strict quality standards. Aluminum is easily machined to tight tolerances, meaning it can be shaped with extreme accuracy. Lightweight: While it needs to be strong enough to withstand repeated use, the tooling also needs to be relatively lightweight. This makes it easier for operators to handle and allows for faster production cycles. Aluminum is significantly lighter than steel. Thermal Conductivity: During the manufacturing process, maintaining consistent temperatures is crucial. Aluminum’s excellent thermal conductivity helps to efficiently transfer heat, ensuring consistent results. Durability: Jazwares is producing Squishmallows at a massive scale. The tooling needs to be durable enough to withstand millions of cycles without warping or failing. Arconic's specialized aluminum alloys are designed for just that. Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally resists corrosion, which is important for maintaining the integrity of the tooling over time. Arconic and Jazwares: A Collaborative Partnership “This isn’t just a supplier-customer relationship,” explains the Arconic representative. “We work closely with Jazwares’ engineering team to understand their specific requirements. Sometimes, they need a specific alloy with a certain strength or hardness. Other times, they need a custom-sized plate or extrusion. We provide the materials, and they provide the creative genius that brings the Squishmallows to life.” The partnership has involved working through the rapid launch of new Squishmallow designs. Jazwares regularly releases new Series, with Series 11 being the latest. Arconic’s ability to quickly turn around custom orders is vital to keeping up with the pace of innovation. “Series 11 is proving to be particularly popular,” says a source at Jazwares. “Demand is high, and we’re relying on our suppliers, like Arconic, to ensure we can meet that demand without compromising quality.” Behind the Scenes with Series 11 Series 11 of Jazwares Squishmallows features a variety of new characters and designs, including some licensed collaborations. What does this mean for Arconic? It means even more custom tooling. Each new character design requires new molds, and each mold requires precisely engineered aluminum plates and extrusions. Arconic provided materials for the tooling used to create the signature Squishmallow shapes, including the round, bean-like bodies and the distinctive facial features. They also supplied materials for the tooling used to apply the plush fabric and to insert the soft filling. "We're proud to be a part of the Squishmallow story," says the Arconic representative. "It's rewarding to know that our materials are helping to bring joy to kids (and collectors!) around the world." Arconic: More Than Just Aluminum While Arconic’s contribution to Squishmallows might be behind the scenes, it’s a testament to the company’s expertise in materials science and manufacturing. Arconic provides high-performance aluminum solutions to a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, packaging, and construction. "We're constantly innovating and developing new aluminum alloys and manufacturing processes," says the Arconic representative. "We're committed to providing our customers with the best possible materials and solutions." Looking Ahead The partnership between Arconic and Jazwares is expected to continue as Jazwares releases new Squishmallow Series and expands its product line. Arconic is well-positioned to support Jazwares’ growth by providing the high-performance aluminum materials needed to keep up with demand. So, the next time you see a cuddly Squishmallow, remember that Arconic played a small but essential role in bringing it to life. It’s a reminder that even the softest things can be made possible by strong materials and a collaborative partnership. Arconic US LLC 201 Isabella Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 870-473-6666 [www.arconic.com](http://www.arconic.com)