OUR STORY

Two elderly men engaged in a game of backgammon at a wooden table in a cozy, vintage indoor setting, capturing a moment of traditional leisure.

1968

George Manopoulos’ daily habit was the reason why his son, Costas, realized that games are important in our everyday life. Looking at his father working hard every day and then relaxing by playing backgammon with his friends, he felt that the games would take all the stress away, making his father happy. From a very young age, he understood that games are not only for children… They can also bring joy to adults and improve their everyday life.

Interior of an old industrial workshop filled with vintage metal lathes and machinery, showcasing traditional manufacturing tools and mechanical components in a dimly lit space.

1970

At the age of 21, while he was studying at the Art University, he created his first chess figures from bronze. This first chess was a project for a young talents exhibition at the University of Athens. The impact the chess set had on him, was so strong that he decided to open a small shop in the center of Athens. He started selling a limited quantity of handcrafted chess and backgammon sets.

Black and white image of a shop showcasing a variety of handcrafted chess and backgammon sets displayed on shelves and tables, reflecting artisanal craftsmanship and traditional design.

1975

Due to the high quality and unique design, more and more gift shop owners were interested in buying his creations. At that time, he decided to establish his own workshop and managed to serve shops that appreciated chess and backgammon of premium craftsmanship.

Large crowd of people walking towards a modern glass building entrance labeled "Mitte," with banners and signs visible in the background, suggesting a busy public event or convention.

1985

After a decade of experience in the local gift & toy market, Costas Manopoulos was now ready to expand to new markets and seize new opportunities. By taking part in Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair in Germany, he introduced his company worldwide. Since 1985, Manopoulos Company successfully attends many international exhibitions every year and constantly serves customers in more than 25 countries in the world.

Maison et Objet - Paris

Toy Fair - Nuremberg

Ambiente - Frankfurt

Modern gray two-story building with white-framed windows and staircases at the entrances under a partly cloudy blue sky.

2000

The next chapter of our proud history was added in 2000. The new Manopoulos factory in Thebes, Viotia, is the completion of a long-term project of technological modernization. By implementing a program of dynamic investments, Manopoulos Company has introduced the most modern technological methods of production and standardization.

Hands gently placing a polished wooden box with a gold Manopoulos nameplate on a white surface, alongside a soft gray cloth, highlighting artisan craftsmanship.

TODAY

Our company is ready to materialize the visions of the next generation of the family. Extensions and modernization investments are continuous, having as an aim to meet and expand the needs for new products.

Today, Manopoulos SA is a modern integrated manufacturing unit producing historical metal chess and traditional, handmade backgammon sets with a significant exporting activity worldwide.