Quantum Leap, an inverted boomerang coaster, at Sochi Park Adventureland VEKOMA
PETER VAN BILSEN & CHARLOTTE VAN ETTEN SENIOR VP, ACCOUNT MANAGER MARKETING & SALES
Tell us about your most recent thrill coaster. We’ve just installed the Giant Inverted Boomerang (GIB) coaster in Sochi, Russia. The GIB is a cutting-edge ride, designed to draw rollercoaster connoisseurs from afar. True to the nature of Vekoma’s boomerang rides, it puts as much thrill into a park as possible within a compact space. It’s a cost-effective investment because it combines three rides into one: a freefall, a looping coaster and a forward-backward trip. Despite its impressive height and heavier gauge construction, the GIB is easy to install. An ingenious feature is the patented catcher system that picks the train up on the fl y as it climbs up the second lift hill on the opposite tower.
What have been the most exciting breakthroughs at Vekoma lately? Our achievements in Asia are very advanced, since we have offi ces and
AM 4 2014 ©cybertrek 2014
factories in China and Singapore with local teams of specialists to facilitate communication with customers in their time zones and various languages. The 24/7 service we offer in Asia is very much appreciated and local production is benefi cial to the customer in terms of saving on transport, duties and taxes.
Where do you see trends going? New ride experiences need to offer new elements and interactivity in combination with the right theming and branding – that’s the way to an ultimate “wow” ride experience.
Can you describe the market climate? The industry is a niche market; however, it is booming. Every company has its specialism. Offering good quality and a safe product, a long-lasting design and good service is important for our customers in making the right choice.
What are you doing that other coaster makers aren’t? Vekoma Rides manages all of its disciplines in-house, from its sales and marketing to the concept and creative design of the rides, through to engineering, production, installation, testing and commissioning and parts and service. Therefore, our company’s expertise and the service that we provide is a huge advantage for our customers, especially with regard to communication and coordination. A 360-degree view of Vekoma quality includes the highest safety standards, durability and low maintenance costs, cutting-edge technology, creative solutions and customised designs, highly qualifi ed staff, project management and full 24/7 after-sales service provision.
What have been the biggest changes for ride makers in recent times? From an engineering point of view, safety and quality are continuously updated and implemented. From a creative point of view, more custom designs and interactivity are requested.
What’s on the horizon for Vekoma? Like most ride manufacturers, we have a very good portfolio and there are continuously investments in new parks and expansions in existing parks.
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