Open to Question John Hudd, Interlink
InterPark: When did you found Interlink and what was your background before you started the company? John Hudd: In 1982 and my previous background was very varied. It included mining in Western Australia and teaching English in Japan, Iran and Africa before finally settling in Paris. But this globetrotting apprenticeship has served me very well in the amusement industry because travelling and adapting to different cultures is an important part of our business. IP: What were the first products Interlink supplied/ manufactured and how has the product range developed since those early days? JH: Interlink started out as an agent for several manufacturers of small attractions. However, I soon realised that this sector of the business had limitations and so I decided to buy into a company that manufactured major rides. The product range has evolved considerably over
the
years as we increasingly specialised in water rides. We now have a full complement of water based attractions but have still kept other rides in the range such as Panoramic Towers, Monorails, etc. IP: What influences the design of new rides and attractions at Interlink? Is it mostly the company’s own ideas or do client requirements dictate more what the company produces? JH: Like all manufacturers in the amusement industry, we try to create new attractions. Although we try to innovate ourselves, our clients quite often have some excellent ideas. I think that this exchange between ourselves and our clients is probably the most productive way to create new rides because both sides start from a different standpoint. As a manufacturer we tend to start from a technical point of view, which limits our horizons, whereas our clients have a more imaginative and artistic viewpoint. Obviously, sooner or later, we have to resolve the technical problems, before the ride becomes reality. IP: What do you feel are the park and attractions industry’s biggest challenges and/or concerns at the present time? JH: I think that although we are part of a ‘fun’ business, it is still a business and it must be economically successful. As to the question of challenges, I think that much depends on which part of the world you are operating in. The more mature markets - Europe, Japan and the USA - are probably
22 InterPark July–August 2012
into consolidation whereas the emerging markets are much more dynamic and need to expand. IP: Do ride manufacturers face any specific challenges at the moment, perhaps with safety standards, legislation, etc? JH: I do not think that manufacturers face any more specific challenges now than previously. If anything, the recent progress in harmonising the safety standards throughout
the world has made things easier
for us.
However, this harmonisation needs to continue so that we are all on a ‘level playing field.’ IP: Are you seeing any particular trends in the industry at present relating to what operators are looking for in new rides and attractions? JH: The trend is eternal ... our clients want something original, preferably for the family and at a competitive price. IP: An issue which has become more prominent in recent years is that of the copying of ride designs by some manufacturers. Do you think this is a major problem within the industry?
John Hudd
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