Who are we?
Founded in 1947, Maped is an independent, French, and family-owned brand, and world leader in school supplies and accessories. Today, the group counts:
- 1 430 employees
- €M161 in sales for 2021
- 7 brands
- 3 integrated production sites
- A presence on 5 continents and in more than 120 countries with 17 international subsidiaries
Maped helix’s mission
To empower every child to change the world with their own hands.
To make access to education easier to develop every child’s potential.
To develop products that are more sustainable, nurture imagination, and encourage children to learn.
To lead by example by placing our environmental commitment at the heart of our decisions.
And to do it all together, hand in hand.
Our values
Innovative
We monitor how the world changes and how children’s needs change with it to offer solutions that don’t yet exist.
Genuine
We are proud of our history, are aware of our strengths as much as our shortcomings, and are determined to always question our actions.
Audacious
We run from convention and banality! We make our own rules and challenge the status quo to be trailblazers in our markets.
Responsibility
Our energy is dedicated to providing inventive, reliable, and sustainable learning tools that respect the highest academic and environmental standards.
Civic Engagement
We fight to serve our children’s education and to help children change the world with their own hands.
Maped’s history
1947
Claude Lacroix created MAPED, a “Manufacture d’Articles de Précision et de Dessin” in Annecy, France that acquired its fame thanks to the legendary brass compass.
For almost 40 years, MAPED has specialised in the manufacture of geometry sets intended for design offices, designers, and architects. Because, if you remember well, before computers, inclined tables with sliding rulers and a brass compass with millimetric calibration were the staples of any technical drawing station!
1985
Maped’s first diversification with the arrival of scissors. That same year, Jacques Lacroix took over the family company.
1992
MAPED acquired Mallat, French leader in Erasers (including the iconic pink and blue Duo Eraser) and started manufacturing erasing and marking products.
1993
This is a turning point for the group with the creation of its Chinese subsidiary based in Suzhou, which accelerates diversification by integrating staplers, punches, and office accessories.
2000’s
MAPED expands internationally with the opening of subsidiaries in Argentina (1999), Mexico (2002), Brazil (2003), Canada, the USA (2005), Greece and Germany (2006), and finally Turkey (2009).
2005
Launch of Color’Peps, a wide range of innovative colouring products which currently represents ¼ of the group’s sales.
2008
Launch of our WRITING tools and soon after, the Twin Tip 4 ball point pen (the 4-colour twin tip ball point pen) which is a hit.
2011
Creation of subsidiaries in India and Peru.
2012
Maped acquired and integrated Helix, the UK’s leading school accessory manufacturer, and thus consolidates its position in Anglo-Saxon countries. And also: creation of the Russian subsidiary.
2016
Maped continued its diversification with the acquisition of Joustra, French designer and manufacturer of creative sets for children.
2018
Launch of Maped Picnik, a collection of 100% reusable mobile products for a more sustainable world.
2019
Launch of Maped Creativ, fun and innovative creative activities for children.
2020
Creation of a new brand signature.
2021
Upgrade of the OHSAS 18001 safety standard to ISO 45001 in France.
Opening of the Mino lab at the French headquarters to better observe our products in use.
Creation of the 1% for education fund.
2022
Maped Helix certified as a “Great Place to Work”
