Starting in the 1950s LEGO began individual parts sales, a practice that began with the Ferguson Tracktor in 1951. LEGO would supply dealers with wooden parts boxes and refill packs. These individual part sales would continue, at least in some markets, into the late 1950’s.
1959 LEGO Sets
1959 was a year of international expansion and creative growth. LEGO established companies in France, Belgium, Britain, and Sweden, extending its European reach. The Futura department was also founded in Billund to focus on design innovation and long-term product development, including set concepts, parts, and new technologies. While few new sets were released, Futura’s work would later lead to several of LEGO’s most influential themes.