My Tour of FUN FACTORY Headquarters

My Tour of FUN FACTORY Headquarters

Since its earliest days, FUN FACTORY’s been raising the bar for the pleasure industry: They’ve been using medical-grade silicone since day one. They cast their whimsical, non-phallic, queer-friendly designs in bright colors and promote them with an inclusive, joyful spirit. If these practices don’t seem unusual to you, it’s only because the industry’s just started to catch up with FUN FACTORY. When they started, in 1996, I promise that things were very different!

Their accomplishments go beyond color and materials—the brand is constantly thinking of ways to make sex toys safe and empowering. They’ve innovated long-lasting vibrators; comfy, approachable butt plugs; and magnetic charging, among other things. My first-ever silicone toy was one of theirs! Their consistent quality and commitment to progress are why they’re one of my most-used brands.

So, when I was invited to tour the factory with a group of sex educators and shop owners, I jumped at the chance. They flew me from Portland to Bremen, Germany and put me up in a gorgeous hotel with a view of the Weser River. There was even a hotel cat named Leo, which made me feel right at home. Every hotel should have a cat!

I’m not sure what the words “vibrator factory” conjure for most people, but it’s probably not this. From the outside, the building looks like any other—the only hint that sexy stuff happens inside is the illustrations of sex toys that adorn the outer wall.

The factory spans 140,000 square feet, with areas for management, production, product development, storage, and shipping. There’s even a cafeteria where employees can eat meals or buy them at a reduced price.


As plain as FUN FACTORY might look from the outside, on the inside, it’s a different story. There’s a giant inflatable PATCHY PAUL in the lobby and sculptures made from silicone scraps and recycled toys. Natural light streams in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Overall, the atmosphere is cheerful and modern.