News Summary
Vekoma Rides, a leading amusement ride manufacturer, has opened its new office headquarters in downtown Orlando, positioning itself strategically close to major theme parks. The new office, staffed by eight employees, is part of Vekoma’s plan to enhance operations across the Americas. This expansion aligns with the company’s goal of better servicing its clients in Central Florida’s robust theme park industry and marks a significant commitment to the region’s growth in amusement attractions.
Orlando is set to become a significant hub for Vekoma Rides, a renowned Dutch amusement ride manufacturer, as the company opens a new office in the city’s downtown area. Located near the intersection of Orange Avenue and South Street, this office will serve as Vekoma’s official headquarters for operations throughout the Americas.
As part of its expansion, Vekoma’s new Orlando office will be staffed by eight employees, including research and development engineers. Ricardo Etges, who has been appointed as the vice president for sales and marketing for the Americas, will be the company’s first employee based in Orlando. The company anticipates further growth, indicating plans to expand its workforce in the near future.
The decision to establish an Orlando office is viewed as a strategic move to enhance Vekoma’s business operations in Central Florida, where many of the world’s top theme parks are situated. This initiative will foster closer relationships with clients and facilitate a more proactive approach to servicing existing and future amusement attractions in the region.
Vekoma Rides has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1926, originally manufacturing agricultural machinery and steel products for various industries. In the 1970s, the company shifted its focus to amusement park rides and, more recently in 2019, decided to intensify its penetration of the North American market. Since then, Vekoma has produced several iconic roller coasters such as Expedition Everest and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Disney World, as well as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot. The company also had a hand in designing rides for popular destinations like Universal Orlando and Legoland Florida.
Vekoma is not new to undertaking innovative projects; their recent developments include the opening of Flash: Vertical Velocity at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. This ride is notable for being the first “super boomerang” style coaster to debut in the Western world. Additionally, a new tilt coaster known as “Siren’s Curse” is currently under construction at Cedar Point in Ohio.
Establishing a base in Central Florida positions Vekoma closer to numerous theme parks, potential clients, and a pool of local talent that could aid in the company’s growth. This strategic location is expected to significantly enhance Vekoma’s service offerings and improve client engagements within the area.
The opening of the Orlando office is also coupled with plans for key industry events. Vekoma will be bringing between 15 to 20 team members from the Netherlands to participate in the annual IAAPA Expo, where they will showcase at least one vehicle. The company is gearing up for announcements regarding additional surprise projects during the Expo, which is likely to generate significant interest within the amusement park community.
The establishment of the Orlando office is backed by a partnership with the Orlando Economic Partnership, which assisted in selecting the location and facilitating meetings with local stakeholders. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer underlined the city’s status as a pioneering center for innovation in the attractions industry, further enhancing its appeal as a base for Vekoma’s North American operations.
It is noteworthy that Vekoma’s office in Orlando does not benefit from any financial incentives or tax breaks from the city, as confirmed through official statements. Instead, the company is focused on making a long-term commitment to the Central Florida market, with the goal of servicing existing rides and preparing for future projects. With over 100 roller coasters currently operating throughout the U.S., Vekoma’s expansion in the region reflects a broader plan of growth and ongoing innovation in the amusement ride industry.
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