Coaster manufacturer ‘stocked with orders’
How does one rollercoaster salesman view the outlook right now in the amusement industry? According to Vekoma Rides Manufacturing’s Peter van Bilsen, compared to last year many existing parks are continuing with their plans for new attractions, while in emerging markets people are withholding plans because financing is unsure. In this economic climate, Vekoma is stocked with orders.
The Dutch company, with manufacturing facilities in China and the Czech Republic, has supplied a mine train and Suspended Looping Coaster to OCT’s new Happy Valley park in Chengdu, the new generation Stingray flying coaster (pictured) to Suzhou Giant Wheel Park, a custom-designed 1,837ft-long family coaster to Powerlong in Qingdao and a 2,001ft-long custom indoor motorbike launch coaster to an unnamed Chinese park.
Meanwhile an unnamed Taiwanese park/mall will introduce a custom designed 1,322ft-long five-story indoor family coaster and a thrill coaster. A Giant Wheel and 1,099ft-long family coaster is destined for the Innovative Film Studios in Bangalore, India.
Tibidabo in Barcelona, Spain, adds a custom designed family coaster, while a custom-designed mine train is due at last after a number of delays for Isla Magica in Seville, in the south of Spain.
Kolmården wildlife park in Sweden is adding a 1,099ft-long family coaster. Themepark Rome (not necessarily its full name) will take delivery on an 80-person Madhouse, Sky Shuttle and Mine Train.
New trains are scheduled for the Corkscrew in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, the Double Loop Corkscrew in Gardaland, Italy, and the Boomerang at Carowinds in the US. Accept our apologies for repeating some of these projects from last issue, but we can now offer clearer information.
Besides the many installations due above, Vekoma ihas revealed that it will be building a signature attraction in one of the largest theme parks to open in Southeast Asia in 2010. Details of the park and its large number of coasters and attractions will be announced in the near future. “Being part of this prestigious project is of great significance to Vekoma Rides Manufacturing,” notes president Henk Roodenburg. “Our team is excited and determined to make this project a huge success, which will once again prove Vekoma to be one of the top
