View source for Vekoma

{{Short description|Dutch amusement ride manufacturer}}
{{Infobox company
 | name             = Vekoma Rides Manufacturing
 | logo             = Vekoma logo.svg
 | type             = [[Subsidiary]]
 | parent           = [[Sansei Technologies]]
 | foundation       = 1926
 | founder          = Hendrik op het Veld
 | location_city    = [[Vlodrop]] ([[Roerdalen]])
 | location_country = The [[Netherlands]]
 | area_served      = Worldwide
 | key_people       = Anne-Mart Agerbeek (CEO)<ref>{{cite web |title=Leadership Changes in Sansei Technologies Group to Expand Market Leadership Position in Amusement Ride Division |url=https://www.vekoma.com/news/leadership-changes-in-sansei-technologies-group-to-expand-market-leadership-position-in-amusement-ride-division |publisher=Vekoma |access-date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121233338/https://www.vekoma.com/news/leadership-changes-in-sansei-technologies-group-to-expand-market-leadership-position-in-amusement-ride-division |archive-date=21 January 2024 |date=11 July 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 | products         = [[Amusement ride]]s
 | services         = 
 | owner            = 
 | num_employees    = 
 | homepage         = {{Official URL}}
}}

'''Vekoma Rides Manufacturing''' is a Dutch [[amusement ride]] manufacturer. Vekoma is a [[syllabic abbreviation]] of '''Ve'''ld '''Ko'''ning '''Ma'''chinefabriek (Veld Koning Machine Factory) which was established in 1926 by Hendrik op het Veld.

==History==
The company originally manufactured farm equipment and later made steel constructions for the [[coal mining]] industry in the 1950s.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=Vekoma&coll=ddd&identifier=ddd%3A010637588%3Ampeg21%3Aa0183&resultsidentifier=ddd%3A010637588%3Ampeg21%3Aa0183 Vekoma neemt bedrijf over], Limburgschs Dagblad, July 13, 1993</ref> As business shifted from farming equipment to steel construction, Veld Koning Machinefabriek was shortened to Vekoma. After the [[Mining in Limburg#The end of mining|closure of Dutch mines in 1965]], Vekoma manufactured steel pipes for the petrochemical industry.<ref name="TPF">{{cite web|url=http://themeparkfreaks.eu/bouwers/vekoma/|language=nl|title=Fabrikanten » Bouwer in de kijker: Vekoma|last=Van Dyck|first=Bob|date=3 November 2014 |access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> In the 1970s Vekoma was contracted by U.S. amusement ride manufacturer [[Arrow Development]] to build the steel structure for its roller coasters in Europe. As demand increased, Arrow instructed Vekoma in track building techniques and eventually licensed its coaster-building technology. In 1979 Vekoma entered the market on its own, opening three coasters in Europe under the name Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV.<ref name=TPF/>

On 23 August 2001, Vekoma filed for bankruptcy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/august01/stories/082301_02.shtml|title=Vekoma files for bankruptcy|date=August 23, 2001|access-date=January 26, 2023}}</ref>

In 2006, Vekoma formed an alliance with U.S.-based manufacturer [[Chance Morgan]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV - Sales & Marketing| url = http://www.vekoma.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=58| access-date = February 4, 2021}}</ref> [[Chance Rides]] represented Vekoma in North America and [[Chance Morgan]] manufactured the steel track for select projects. During this agreement, Chance built four Vekoma-designed family coasters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amusementtoday.com/2012/10/chance-rides-vekoma-rides-decide-to-discontinue-north-america-cooperation/|title=Chance Rides & Vekoma Rides decide to discontinue North America cooperation|publisher=Amusement Today|location=Arlington, Texas|date=October 17, 2012|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>

In 2008, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing acquired the Wheels of Excellence range of [[Ferris wheel]]s from [[Ronald Bussink]]. Under the agreement, Bussink continued to supply wheels 100 meters and taller. Smaller wheels in the 40- to 80-meter range transitioned to a new manufacturing division of Vekoma, Dutch Wheels BV.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parkworld-online.com/giant-wheels-go-dutch/|title=Giant Wheels go Dutch - Vekoma takes over Bussink range|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=October 26, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>

On 17 October 2012, Chance Rides and Vekoma discontinued the agreement to produce rides together for the North American market.<ref name=Vekoma>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.amusementtoday.com/?p=2758 |title=Chance Rides & Vekoma Rides decide to discontinue North America coop |date=October 17, 2012 |magazine=Amusement Today |access-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> However, shortly after terminating that agreement, Chance Rides was given an exclusive license from Dutch Wheels BV to manufacture and sell R60 wheels in the North American market under a new affiliate, Chance American Wheels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://amusementtoday.com/2012/10/dutch-wheels-expands-its-activities-into-the-north-american-market/|title=Dutch Wheels expands its activities into the North American market|date=October 31, 2012|publisher=Amusement Today|location=Arlington, Texas|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>

On 30 March 2018, Vekoma was acquired by [[Sansei Technologies]], the parent company of American ride manufacturer [[S&S - Sansei Technologies|S&S Sansei]]. The conditions stipulated that Vekoma's business model remain unchanged after the acquisition. Vekoma continues to manufacture and market rides as a separate entity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parkworld-online.com/vekoma-rides-aqcuired-by-sansei-technologies/|title=Vekoma Rides {{sic|aqc|uired|hide=y}} by Sansei Technologies|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=April 3, 2018|publisher=Park World|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>

==Roller coasters==
{{Main|List of Vekoma roller coasters}}
<!-- This is a list of existing projects and CONFIRMED future projects. "Confirmed" means the park has issued a press release announcing it (acceptable) or a reliable source (i.e., local newspaper) has published an article mentioning its construction (preferable). This is not a wish-list nor is it a place for speculation and rumor. -->

{{Asof|2018|05}}, there are over 387 [[roller coaster]]s around the world from Vekoma, some of which are either under construction or have been removed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rcdb.com/6836.htm|title=Vekoma (Vlodrop, Limburg, Netherlands)|website=rcdb.com}}</ref>

===Models===

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Model !! First produced !! Description 
|-
| Bermuda Blitz || 2017 || A sit down multi-inversion roller coaster with new generation trains and restraints. An off the shelf layout is available replicating [[Lech Coaster]], which is the only installation of the model that currently exists. Lech Coaster is in Legendia in Poland.<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Lech Coaster|location=Legendia Śląskie Wesołe Miasteczko rcdb_number=11034|access-date=November 14, 2018}}</ref>
|-
| Big Air || 2010 || Formerly known as a hammerhead stall due to the spinning function it previously possessed. There is only one installation of this roller coaster, located at [[E-DA Theme Park]] in Taiwan.<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Big Air|location=E-DA Theme Park|rcdb_number=8656|access-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| [[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang]] || 1984 || a type of [[Shuttle roller coaster]] with three inversions, height of {{convert|117|ft|m|2}}, and speed of {{cvt|47|mph|km/h}}.
|-
| [[Corkscrew with Bayerncurve]] (discontinued) || 1979 || An adaptation of the standard Arrow Development corkscrew roller coaster.
|-
| Dive Pretzel Coaster<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/3741/Raadselachtige-nieuwe-achtbaan-opgebouwd-in-Limburg.html|title=Raadselachtige nieuwe achtbaan opgebouwd in Limburg|work=looping.nl|language=nl|date=April 23, 2015|access-date=May 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=''Unknown''|location=Great Mall of China|rcdb_number=10786|access-date=May 14, 2015}}</ref> || 2014<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Dive Pretzel Coaster|location=Limburg|rcdb_number=11923|access-date=May 14, 2015}}</ref> || A roller coaster with a 90 degree climb and several pretzel loop elements.
|-
| Double Loop-Corkscrew || 1981 || A modified version of the MK-1200, it consisted of four inversions (two vertical loopings and two corkscrews and a standard track.
|-
| [[Flying roller coaster#Vekoma|Flying Dutchman]] || 2000 || First large-scale flying roller coaster built. The last one, [[Batwing (roller coaster)|Batwing]], closed in 2025.
|-
| [[Giant Inverted Boomerang]] || 2001 || Like Invertigo but with vertical lift hills and slightly different layout.
|-
| [[The Jester (roller coaster)|Hurricane]] || 1989 || Has a vertical loop and a double corkscrew. There were only 2 installations ever.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Hurricane_(Vekoma_model)|title=Hurricane (Vekoma Model)|access-date=31 May 2019}}</ref>
|-
| [[Invertigo (roller coaster)|Invertigo]] || 1996 || An inverted model of the Boomerang.
|-
| [[Motorbike roller coaster]] || 2004 || Vekoma-launched roller coaster with trains like motorbikes.
|-
| [[Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith|LSM Launch coaster]] || 1999 || Roller coaster with three inversions. Launched around {{cvt|55|mph|km/h}} using LSM technology.
Only three installations of this model exists.
|-
|[[Formuła (Energylandia)|Space Warp Launch coaster]]
|2016
|A sit down LSM launch coaster built with new-generation track and trains in a layout with multiple inversions. Only one installation of this model exists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vekoma.com/sitdown-thrill-coasters/space-warp-launch-coaster|title=Space Warp Launch Coaster {{!}} Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV|website=www.vekoma.com|access-date=2019-11-07}}</ref>
|-
| Splash Party || 2013 || An inverted slower-paced roller coaster that is designed with several water gun and water bomb placements. Only one installation of this model exists.<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Bandit Bomber|location=Yas Waterworldrcdb_number=6536|access-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Stingray || 2009 || A compact flying roller coaster designed as the successor to the Flying Dutchman. Only one example has been installed, being Stingray at Giant Wheel Park of Suzhou.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rcdb.com/8560.htm|title=Stingray - Flying Dutchman - Vekoma (Vlodrop, Limburg, Netherlands)|website=rcdb.com}}</ref>
|-
| [[Suspended Family Coaster]] || 2001 || Inverted family coaster very similar to the Suspended Looping Coaster
|-
| [[Suspended Looping Coaster]] || 1994 || Inverted coaster with several different models.
|-
|Suspended Thrill Coaster
|2020
|The successor to the Suspended Looping Coaster which features a different track style and layout.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roller Coaster DataBase |url=https://rcdb.com/ |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=rcdb.com}}</ref> Debuted with Hals-über-Kopf at [[Erlebnispark Tripsdrill]].
|-
| Tornado (loop-corkscrew) || 1986 || A modified version of the MK-1200, it consisted of two inversions (a vertical looping and a corkscrew) and a standard track.<ref>{{cite RCDB|rcdb_number=8201|location=Vlodrop|coaster_name=Tornado|access-date=May 27, 2015}}</ref> Three installations exist in the world, of which two are still operating.
|-
| [[Mine train roller coaster|Mine train coaster]] || 1992 || A roller coaster with a Western, mountain or mine themed style. {{cvt|785|m|ft}} and MK-900 M models.
|-
| [[Vekoma Junior Coaster|Junior coaster]] || 1990 || Roller coaster aimed at children. {{cvt|207 and 335|m|ft}} models.
|-
| Shockwave coaster || 2019 || |A sit down LSM launch coaster built with new-generation track and trains with multiple inversions and features sometimes tunnels. 1095m and 1320m models.
|-
| Top Gun Launch coaster || 2020 || |A sit down LSM launch coaster built with new-generation track and trains but with a different layout and multiple inversions.
|-
| [[Wooden roller coaster (Vekoma)|Wooden roller coaster]] || 2000 || Classic wooden coaster produced by Vekoma. There are two examples: the [[Thundercoaster (TusenFryd)|Thundercoaster]] at [[Tusenfryd|TusenFryd]], and Loup-Garou at [[Walibi Belgium]]. Previously, there was one of these models at Walibi Holland called Robin Hood, however, it became an [[Rocky Mountain Construction|RMC]] [[Hybrid roller coaster|hybrid coaster]] called [[Untamed (Walibi Holland)|Untamed]] in 2019.
|}
Other Vekoma coaster models include Wild Mouse, Hyper Space Warp, Firestorm, [[Suspended roller coaster|Swinging Turns]], [[X:/ No Way Out|Enigma]], [[Vekoma Illusion|Illusion]], [[Boomerang (roller coaster)#Family Boomerang|Family Boomerang]], Tilt Coaster, Energy Storm and [[Powered Coaster]]s.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

In 2013, Vekoma signed a deal with [[Idaho]]-based [[Rocky Mountain Construction]]. The agreement allows Vekoma to sell Rocky Mountain Construction's roller coasters outside the North American market.<ref name="Vekoma rides on">{{cite journal|title=Vekoma rides on|journal=Park World Magazine|date=November 2013|page=30}}</ref>

Vekoma is also the constructor of [[Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind]] at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, designing innovative new "omni-coaster" cars with the capability for controlled turns and spins.

==Other attractions==
===Ferris wheels===
The Dutch Wheels product range includes the R40, R50, and R60 models, each available in three different types.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dutchwheels.com/index.php/specs/r-seriesproduct-range|title=Dutch Wheels - our product range|access-date=2013-09-23|archive-date=2013-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004222545/http://www.dutchwheels.com/index.php/specs/r-seriesproduct-range|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Notable installations====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! [[Ferris wheel]] name !! Location !! Opened !! Status !! class="unsortable"|Reference
|-
|Giant Wheel
|[[Six Flags Darien Lake]], [[Darien, New York]], US
| {{Center|1983-2019}} || Closed || <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake/attractions/giant-wheel|url-status=dead|title=Giant Wheel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107223716/https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake/attractions/giant-wheel|archive-date=November 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wyrk.com/say-goodbye-to-the-giant-ferris-wheel-at-six-flags-darien-lake/|title=Say 'Goodbye' To The Giant Ferris Wheel at Six Flags Darien Lake?|last=Owen|first=Chris|date=May 23, 2021|website=[[WYRK]]|access-date=May 27, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[Giant Wheel (Morey's Piers)|Giant Wheel]] || [[Morey's Piers]], [[Wildwood, New Jersey]], US || {{Center|1985}} || Operating || <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/top_three/investigation-begins-into-fatal-fall-from-morey-s-pier-ferris/article_5890785a-8f2d-11e0-ae01-001cc4c03286.html|title=Ride experts call 11-year-old Pleasantville girl's fatal fall from Wildwood's Morey's Pier Ferris wheel a freak occurrence|website=Press of Atlantic City}}</ref>
|-
| [[Navy Pier Ferris Wheel]] || Pier Park, [[Navy Pier]], [[Chicago]], US || {{Center|1995}} || Relocated || <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140531173557/http://business.highbeam.com/53/article-1G1-16925085/navy-pier-new-attractions-deemed-critical-luring-variety Navy Pier's new attractions deemed 'critical' to luring variety of patrons.]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navypier.com/things2do/rides_attract/pier_park.html|title=Historic Navy Pier Attractions - Pier Park|access-date=2012-09-11|archive-date=2012-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012055408/http://www.navypier.com/things2do/rides_attract/pier_park.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20130110233710/http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5655823 10 millionth rider goes for spin on Navy Pier ferris wheel]</ref>
|-
| [[Delhi Eye]] (R50) || [[Kalindi Kunj]] Park, [[Okhla]], [[Delhi, India]] || {{Center|2014}} ||  || <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-eye-thrown-open-to-the-public/article6477606.ece|title=Delhi Eye thrown open to the public|website=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/giant-wheel-a-monumental-treat/articleshow/44155864.cms|title=Giant wheel a monumental treat &#124; Delhi News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
|-
| [[Hong Kong Observation Wheel]] || [[Central, Hong Kong]] || {{Center|2014}} || Operating|| <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hkow.hk/en/partners|title=Partners - The Hong Kong Observation Wheel|access-date=2016-02-15|archive-date=2016-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223014748/http://www.hkow.hk/en/partners|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- 
|-
| Branson Ferris Wheel (former Navy Pier Wheel) || [[Branson, Missouri]] || {{Center|2016}} || Operating || <ref>{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/6/24/18457855/historic-navy-pier-ferris-wheel-moving-to-resort-town-of-branson-missouri#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBranson%20will%20be%20a%20great,Pier%2C%20said%20in%20a%20statement.&text=It%20is%20being%20replaced%20by,414%20passengers%20at%20a%20time.|title=Historic Navy Pier Ferris Wheel moving to resort town of Branson, Missouri|publisher=Chicago Sun Times|location=Chicago, Illinois|date=June 24, 2016|last=Mayes|first=Jeff|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| [[Grande roue de Montréal]] || [[Montreal, Canada]] || {{Center|2017}} || Operating || <ref>{{cite web |title=Accueil {{!}} La Grande roue de Montréal |url=https://www.lagranderouedemontreal.com/ |website=www.lagranderouedemontreal.com}}</ref>
|}

===Madhouse===
{{main|Madhouse (ride)}}
A madhouse is a flat ride that gives the impression that the rider is upside-down, when in reality the room they are in rotates around them.

==Gallery==
{{Cleanup gallery|date=March 2012}}
<gallery class="center">
Image:Mind Eraser (Sidewinder).JPG|[[Suspended Looping Coaster]], a popular Vekoma design
Image:Vekomaboomerang.jpg|[[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang]], another of Vekoma's most popular ride models
Image:Invertigo_(Kings_Island).jpg|[[Invertigo (roller coaster)|Invertigo]], a variation on the Boomerang design
Image:Six Flags Magic Mountain Deja Vu.jpg|[[Giant Inverted Boomerang]], a more extreme version of Invertigo
Image:SFKK-Roller Skater.jpg|[[Vekoma Roller Skater]], a small family coaster design
Image:Thundercoaster.jpg|[[Wooden Roller Coaster|Wooden Coaster]], One of Vekoma's wooden coasters (Thundercoaster [[Tusenfryd]])
Image:Velocitytrain.jpg|[[Motorbike roller coaster]], a specially designed coaster with seats that are like motorbikes
Image:PKI-Rugrat's Runaway Reptar.jpg|[[Suspended Family Coaster]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{RCDB|6836}}

{{Vekoma}}
{{Roller coaster manufacturers}}
{{Amusement rides}}

[[Category:Vekoma| ]]
[[Category:Roller coaster manufacturers]]
[[Category:Multinational companies headquartered in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Design companies established in 1926]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1926]]
[[Category:1926 establishments in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Amusement ride manufacturers]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001]]
[[Category:Roerdalen]]