From coal mines to cosmic coasters: the evolution of Vekoma
In short: Before they were designing immersive Disney adventures, the Dutch manufacturer was building heavy steel for the coal mining industry. This is the story of how a 1926 farm equipment factory transformed into a global leader in high-tech amusement ride engineering.
Founded in 1926 by Hendrik op het Veld, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing began its life as Veld Koning Machinefabriek, a specialist in farm equipment. The company's trajectory was defined by industrial shifts; as its focus moved toward steel constructions for the coal mining industry during the 1950s, the name was eventually shortened to Vekoma. Following the closure of Dutch mines in 1965, the firm pivoted again, manufacturing steel pipes for the petrochemical sector. This industrial evolution was marked by significant changes in production focus. After the mining era, the company expanded its reach into the petrochemical industry. This period of diversification helped solidify their reputation for heavy steel fabrication.
The transition into the amusement industry was catalyzed by a partnership with the American firm Arrow Development. In the 1970s, Vekoma was contracted to build steel structures for Arrow's European coasters. This technical collaboration was so successful that Arrow eventually licensed its coaster-building technology to Vekoma, allowing the Dutch company to enter the market independently in 1979 under the name Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV.
Today, Vekoma is a sophisticated engineering entity, operating as a separate business under the ownership of Sansei Technologies, which acquired the company on 30 March 2018. Their modern portfolio includes highly specialized technology, such as the 'omni-coaster' cars used in Disney's Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which allow for controlled turns and spins. As of May 2018, the company's global footprint includes over 387 roller coasters, a number that accounts for rides currently under construction or those that have been removed.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Vekoma
- Also: Wikidata — Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Vekoma · CC0
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