EditLife-Like
Life-Like Products LLC (now Life-Like Toy and Hobby division of Wm. K. Walthers) is a manufacturer of model railroad products and is based in Baltimore, Maryland.
It was founded in the 1950s by a company that pioneered extruded foam ice chests under the Lifoam trademark. Because ice chests are a summer seasonal item, the company needed a way to keep the factory operating year round. As model railroading was becoming popular in the post-war years, they saw this as an opportunity and so manufactured extruded foam tunnels for model trains. Over the years, Life-Like expanded into other scenery items, finally manufacturing rolling stock beginning in the late 1960s. At some point in the early 1970's, Life-Like purchased Varney Inc. and began to produce the former Varney line as its own.
In 2005, the company, now known as Lifoam Industries, LLC, decided to concentrate on their core products of extruded foam and sold their model railroad operations to Wm. K. Walthers.
EditLife-Like "M" Chassis
EditPress Release
Walthers acquires the assets of the Toy and Hobby Division of Life-Like Products
Exciting News from Walthers!
We're pleased to announce that Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. acquired the assets of the Toy and Hobby division of Life-Like Products, LLC. on Thursday, July 14, 2005 with the mission of elevating model railroading to a whole new level.
The synergies this alliance creates will allow for innovations in new model railroading product design that would have otherwise been impossible. If you thought 2005's massive new product offering was incredible, just wait until you see what we'll deliver in 2006!
In combining new product development teams from each company, Walthers Vice President of Marketing & Sales John Sanheim believes the fusion will successfully grow the base of model railroaders: "Walthers is reaching out to new customers in an effort to expand our hobby's enthusiast population. We're achieving that by offering an abundance of new, diverse choices to match individual needs across all differing skill levels. Novice and experienced modelers alike will be offered everything they need to make their layout vision a reality."
Through this transition, Walthers expects no interruption in production and delivery of new Life-Like products. Additionally, Walthers plans to increase Life-Like product availability.
Regarding the acquisition of Life-Like Products, President and CEO Phil Walthers states: "This new acquisition is an important step in continuing our long-term commitment to the hobby. Walthers is determined to preserve the valued brands modelers trust. We're dedicated to improving the hobby for generations to come."
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., with nearly 75 years of serving model railroaders, Walthers is an established industry pillar with popular passenger and freight cars, Cornerstone Series® buildings, and the market's most comprehensive reference book and Web site -- walthers.com.
Both parties feel that this transaction will significantly benefit the industry. Jerry Kandel, President of Life-Like comments, "This acquisition by Walthers will allow Life-Like to use its management team and resources to focus on its core business of retail foam, industrial foam, refrigerant gel and gliders."
President Walthers agreed, "this venture is a great opportunity for Walthers to help secure the future of model railroading by offering high-quality products for a wide variety of interests. The inclusion of Life-Like models allows us create a complete range of products from entry level to expert. It's a winning situation for Life-Like, Walthers, and model railroading enthusiasts."
Please visit us on our Web site, walthers.com, where you may browse the entire catalogue of 300+ manufacturers and 85,000+ products available for purchase online.