In 1948, the trading of equipment was added to the business core, and the company name changed into "Eerste Nederlands Staalploeg en Pompenfabriek", or First Dutch Steelplough and Pumps Factory. At the start of a decline in the agriculture industry in early 1950s, the company used its technical expertise to turn its focus to the fabrication and construction of larger steel structures for the mining industry. With this change, Hendrik's successor, his son Gerard, changed the company's name to "Machinefabriek Vekoma", an abbreviation of "Veld Koning Machinefabriek".

In 1957, Jac Houben, a master in steel and civil constructions, came to Vekoma. Together, Gerard and Jac saw the mining industry diminishing and, in 1961, they followed their customer DSM, Dutch State Mines, into the petrochemical industry. The Vekoma product range now included the design and manufacture of such items as industrial heaters and furnaces, with a healthy export business throughout Europe and America.

With the business focus on the petrochemical industry, the design, manufacture and installation of piping systems became a core activity, and the company flourished as never before. Jac and Gerard's son, Henk, became partners and Vekoma first entered the amusement industry in 1967 with the construction of its first Giant Wheel. But, always on the alert, Vekoma spotted a new opportunity: Roller Coasters. From 1977, the core business gradually moved into this new industry sector and in 1983 Vekoma shifted its focus completely. Vekoma's experience in the design, manufacture and installation of steel structures proved to be a very solid base for this new market.

In 1987, Jac took over the reigns of Vekoma and pushed forward in the pursuit of making Vekoma a worldwide name in the design, manufacture and installation of high quality roller coasters and amusement rides. One year later, Jac's son Roger joined the company, continuing the family tradition set in the 1920s. And since 1996, Roger has lead the company's quest to become the foremost integrated ride and theming company in the amusement industry.

Today

Vekoma Rides Manufacturing is a market leader in the global amusement industry in the design and manufacture of roller coasters, family rides, water rides and people mover systems. Boasting a wide product range, Vekoma is responsible for such all-time favorites as the Boomerang, Invertigo, Suspended Looping Coaster and Junior Coaster. Plus, Vekoma's recently introduced innovations, the LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) coaster and Flying Dutchman, are shaping the roller coaster industry of the future by setting new standards for quality and innovation.

The company currently employs approximately 150 people worldwide in R&D, design, engineering, marketing & sales, project management and manufacturing. Production facilities are located in The Netherlands in Vlodrop and Kessel, as well as in China. Subcontractors are located throughout Europe, the United States and Asia.

Vekoma's corporate and marketing strategies focus on maintaining Vekoma's position as a leading innovator and supplier to the world's amusement industry through its diverse product range, engineering and project management, and after-sales service.

A Thrilling Future

Two much anticipated rides will debut in the upcoming months. Vekoma's Tilt Coaster will take riders to the very edge when an entire section of track tilts from the horizontal to the vertical, leaving riders suspended in mid-air before a plummeting straight down toward the ground. And, the Hammerhead Stall will allow riders of all ages to experience the thrill of acrobatic stunt flying first hand.

And, as always, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing will continue to emphasize the experience through innovative rides and creative theming so that guests will take home a memory which goes beyond the ride statistics.