A family-owned company for three generations

When Leo Donbæk founded LEDON in 1969, he was driven by a desire to make a difference to children’s play. He wanted to create fun and stimulating high-quality playgrounds that would stand the test of time and where safety was second-to-none. We still adhere to this philosophy today.

We want to make a difference for children’s development, and pass on a better world to the next generation.

Leo Donbæk, founder of LEDON

Today, LEDON is run by the second and third generations of the family: Leo’s son Tom Donbæk and Tom’s daughter Simone Donbæk. The day-to-day management is shared between the two, with Tom focusing on in-house production and the value chain, while Simone’s focus is on product development, sales and marketing.

Since 1984, LEDON’s production has been based in Arnum in southern Jutland.

Over the past 50 years, LEDON has seen strong growth and development. What started out as a one-man business – Leo in his workshop with his hand plane – has evolved over the years into a growing company. We now have more than 25 employees working at our head offices in Arnum and Kolding. Our playgrounds and play equipment now bring joy to children in more than 40 countries.

Read more: Why choose LEDON?

Simone shares her grandfather’s passion for wanting to make a difference, and today is responsible for LEDON’s sales and marketing department.

I want to continue the journey my grandfather started to make a difference by giving children plenty of opportunities to play and develop, while at the same time ensuring that we pass on a better world to the next generation.

Simone Donbæk, Sales and Marketing Manager and third generation of the family at LEDON

Timeline

1969
Leo Donbæk established LEDON Modul, which later becomes LEDON.

1971
LEDON’s first modular system, the Keyhole series, is launched. It was the first series in Denmark to be based on the concept of ‘a multifunctional play system’.

1984
LEDON launches its iconic Spring horse 410. Today, it remains one of our best-selling springers with thousands sold.

1984
On 1 May, LEDON moves to a former school in Arnum, which is converted into a production facility. The Donbæk family moves into the flat above the factory.

1984
Leo Donbæk’s son Tom starts working for LEDON. He was given responsibility for Danish sales and assembly in Denmark.

1990
LEDON starts exports, initially to Germany.

1998
LEDON launches its tube slides, which have since become known worldwide for their modular construction that makes it possible to build tube slides for any purpose.

1999
LEDON launches its third main series Star Space, the company’s first low-maintenance product. Today, the series has been discontinued, but can still be found at playgrounds all over Europe and especially in Denmark.

1999
LEDON receives Nordea’s initiative award.

2001
LEDON is named a Børsen Gazelle company. This is a title given to fast-growing companies that double their revenue over a four-year period.

2002
LEDON is again named a Børsen Gazelle company.

2011
LEDON invests in its first CNC machines to reduce repetitive work for our employees and ensure precise production and shorter delivery times. Craftsmanship and quality are still key, and therefore all details are meticulously cut by hand, just as all products are hand-assembled.

2012
Tom Donbæk’s daughter Simone, who represents the third generation of the Donbæk family, joins LEDON in product development.

2016
The first theme series LEDON Explore is launched.

2017
Ownership passes to the next generation – Simone Donbæk buys Leo Donbæk’s shares in LEDON.

2017
In connection with LEDON’s growth and development, a new head office is established in Kolding where sales, marketing and product development are based.

2018
LEDON becomes a partner in Design School Kolding’s Design for Play MA programme.

2018
LEDON Castle theme series is launched. The series supports role-play and motor development.

2019
LEDON wins the regional final of the ‘Akademikerprisen’ award, which honours SMEs that have created results by employing academics.

2019
LEDON MiniPlay theme series is launched. A series specifically developed for children aged 0-4 years.

2020
LEDON celebrates its 50th anniversary with, among other things, an employee day and dealer seminar.

2020
LEDON Pirates theme series is launched. A series that focuses on multiple play activities and a modular system divided into zones.

2021
LEDON Basic theme series is launched. A series designed to ensure that everyone can afford low-maintenance high-quality playgrounds.

We’ve made it easy

To make it easy for you, we have gathered all the information you need to choose the right play equipment for your new playground. Find yourselves below, and read about how we can help, which theme series we recommend and what you need to think about when establishing a new playground.

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