Vekoma

Vekoma
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Name	Vekoma
Founded	1926
Founder	Hendrik "Henri" K. Vekema
Headquarters	Vlodrop, Netherlands
Industry	Amusement rides, Roller coasters
Products	Roller coasters, Flat rides, Track systems

Vekoma is a Dutch manufacturer of amusement rides and roller coaster systems known for supplying attractions worldwide to parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Six Flags Over Texas, Cedar Point, and Europa-Park. Founded in the early 20th century in the Netherlands, the company transitioned from agricultural machinery to amusement engineering and became prominent through standardized coaster models like the Boomerang and Suspended Looping Coaster. Vekoma’s work spans collaborations with operators including Merlin Entertainments, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and regional firms across Asia, North America, and Europe.

History

Vekoma began in 1926 in Vlodrop as a workshop producing agricultural machinery and later diversified into industrial steel fabrication for clients such as Philips, Fokker, and DSM. Post-World War II reconstruction and the rise of leisure industries prompted ventures into ride manufacturing alongside contemporaries like Intamin, Arrow Dynamics, Bolliger & Mabillard, and MACK Rides. During the 1970s and 1980s Vekoma expanded internationally, supplying installations to parks including Efteling, Alton Towers, Parc Astérix, Tokyo Disneyland, and Hersheypark, and establishing partnerships with design houses such as S&S – Sansei Technologies and Zamperla. Corporate milestones included modernization of fabrication techniques, adoption of CAD from firms like Siemens PLM Software and Autodesk, and participation in trade events such as IAAPA Expo.

Products and roller coaster designs

Vekoma produces a range of ride types: family coasters, inverted coasters, boomerangs, mine trains, and suspended models. Signature models include the Boomerang series deployed at parks like Alton Towers, the Suspended Looping Coaster format found at Kings Island and Walibi Belgium, and the Junior Coaster used by operators such as LEGOLAND and Discovery Cove. Vekoma’s engineering integrates components from suppliers like SKF and ABB while employing safety systems compatible with standards from organizations such as ASTM International, EN 13814, and national authorities including The Dutch Health and Safety Executive. Collaborations with designers like Werner Stengel, John Wardley, and firms such as Attraction Design Company have influenced ride layouts at venues including SeaWorld Orlando and Dollywood.

Notable installations

Vekoma installations feature across major parks: the Boomerang model at Six Flags Great Adventure, the Suspended Looping Coaster at Thorpe Park, family coasters at LEGOLAND Windsor, the Mine Train variants at Knott's Berry Farm, and custom projects at Disneyland Paris-adjacent venues. Internationally prominent attractions include coasters at Ocean Park Hong Kong, TusenFryd, Phantasialand, PortAventura World, Lotte World, and Chimelong Paradise. Special projects have been commissioned by operators such as Cedar Fair, Parques Reunidos, Parques y Atracciones, and theme resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island. Vekoma also supplied track and mechanicals for indoor attractions at entertainment centers like Puy du Fou and family entertainment centers owned by Dave & Buster's affiliates.

Safety and incidents

Vekoma’s history includes both routine maintenance operations and high-profile incidents that prompted industry reviews. Several incidents at parks including Alton Towers, Dreamworld, and Walibi Belgium led regulators such as ROSPA and national accident investigation boards to recommend enhanced inspection regimes and updated restraint systems. The company has engaged with liability insurers like Aon and Lloyd's of London and cooperated with organizations including IAAPA and ASTM International to revise standards and retrofit fleets. In response to incidents, Vekoma implemented structural assessments, steel fatigue analysis using techniques from NDT suppliers, and upgraded control systems leveraging partners such as Rockwell Automation and Siemens.

Business operations and partnerships

Vekoma operates manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and works with global supply chains spanning China, Mexico, Poland, and United States vendors. Strategic alliances include technology sharing with Bolliger & Mabillard-adjacent suppliers, joint ventures for regional markets with firms like Mack Rides-connected distributors, and procurement agreements with steel producers such as ArcelorMittal and Tata Steel. The firm attends international contracts involving stakeholders including Merlin Entertainments, Universal Studios Japan, and municipal authorities in cities such as Dubai, Singapore, and Shanghai. Vekoma’s commercial activities encompass lifecycle services—maintenance, refurbishment, and relocation—engaging third parties like SBI, Ride Entertainment Group, and regional engineering consultancies.

Category:Roller coaster manufacturers Category:Manufacturing companies of the Netherlands