Wild Republic celebrates new headquarters, donates plush to children in need

New location in Independence, Ohio, supports the company’s continued growth and commitment to giving campaigns.

Dave Grendel, vice mayor of Independence, Ohio; Vishnu Chandran, Wild Republic CEO; Gregory Kurtz, Mayor of Independence; G.B. Pillai, Wild Republic founder and chairman

Wild Republic, an international toy company lauded for its 40-plus years of giving back and supporting various humanitarian, environmental and animal charities, has announced it’s relocation of its U.S. corporate headquarters from Twinsburg, Ohio to Independence, Ohio.

The move to a larger, more modern space at 7711 E. Pleasant Valley Road, comes as the company has seen tremendous growth with innovative, groundbreaking and environmentally friendly products. To mark the occasion, an official ribbon cutting ceremony was held Nov. 29, 2022, Giving Tuesday, an International Day of Generosity which encourages organizations to do good and give back to their communities.

It’s fitting that the company would celebrate its grand opening on Giving Tuesday. This year it has earmarked close to 18,000 plush that will be distributed through local Rotary Clubs to several different agencies in Independence, Ohio, that care for children in distress, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, food banks and foster care organizations.

“To ring in the relocation as well this year’s Global Day of Giving, we wanted to make sure we are giving back to the community we are now a part of in Independence, Ohio, and are honored to have Mayor Gregory Kurtz in attendance as our special guest,” said Vishnu Chandran, CEO of Wild Republic, and grandson of the company’s founders. “Our relocation coinciding with Giving Tuesday is just another reminder that giving back to our community and the world we live in is a main pillar of our company and will continue to be in the years to come.”

Founders G.B. and Kamala Pillai have funded several animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations throughout the world and began an orphanage for young girls in India to have a home. Since 2002 Wild Republic has partnered with The Audubon Society to help sustain natural habitats for wild birds throughout the United States. In 2022 Wild Republic partnered with Planet Water, a non-profit organization focused on alleviating the global water crisis bringing clean water access and water-health and hygiene education to the world’s most impoverished communities, and so much more.

“The new space is a reflection of our hard-working team, our great products and the people who support us. It will ensure that we will continue delivering products that go beyond just plush and that maximize the positive impact we make on our customers, our community, and our planet,” adds Chandran. “We’d also like to thank Terry Coyne of Newmark Realty for helping us throughout the search process and for helping us find this new incredible new space.”