Business | Bartleby

The allure of the company town

Lego, Corning and the survival of an old idea

A surreal city of LEGO-like houses with identical figures walking along grey paths
Illustration: Paul Blow

Billund is a small town in Denmark with a population that stands at a little over 7,000 people. It is also the birthplace and headquarters of the world’s largest toy company. If you live in Billund, there is a decent chance you or one of your family works for Lego. If you visit for work, you are probably going to Lego’s offices (passing a sign near the entrance that instructs “Play on the grass”). If you go there as a tourist, you are almost certainly going to a Lego-themed attraction. The noun you hear most often is “brick”.

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This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “The allure of the company town”

From the February 1st 2025 edition

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