FORT COLLINS - Fort Collins-based Sprig Toys Inc. is merging with California-based Whamo-O Inc. to offer a line of battery-free, kid-powered preschool toys under the new Wham-O Jr. brand.

The partnership will enable Sprig's eco-friendly specialty toy line to be offered on a greater scale and give Wham-O access to Sprig's proprietary material Sprigwood, a durable, child-safe, biocomposite made of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic.

The new Wham-O Jr. toys will include Sprig's award-winning products, such as Eco-Trucks Dump Truck and Dino Adventure Rig, along with Wham-O's inflatables and outdoor play products. Wham-O is the maker of iconic toys including the Frisbee, Hacky Sack and Hula-Hoop.

"We are thrilled to be a part of one of America's most beloved toy companies," said Sprig's co-founders, David Bowen, Chris Clemmer and Justin Driscoe, in a press statement. "With Wham-O handling the sales, manufacturing and operations functions on a global level for the Sprig brand, we'll be able to focus our efforts on our mission to make toys the right way."

Sprig will showcase its 2010 product line at the American International Toy Fair in New York City Feb. 14-17. Sprig is nominated for a Toy of the Year Award in the Specialty category. Founded in 2007, Sprig Toys is located at 321 Maple St. in Fort Collins.

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