Here are a brief overview of the major amusement park ride manufacturers currently active in the industry.
Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M): Founded in 1988 in Switzerland, B&M is renowned for smooth, inverted, diving, hyper, and wing coasters with graceful layouts and high reliability. They’re a go-to for major parks, with iconic rides like Fury 325 (Carowinds) and Batman: The Ride clones worldwide.
Intamin: Established in 1967 in Liechtenstein, this family-owned company excels in record-breaking innovations like launch coasters, mega coasters, and water rides. Known for pushing limits with height and speed, examples include VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure) and Formula Rossa (Ferrari World).
Vekoma: A Dutch manufacturer (acquired by Sansei Technologies in 2018) with roots in the 1920s, specializing in family, suspended, and launched coasters. They’ve modernized older designs and partner heavily with Disney; notable rides include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot) and Tron Lightcycle/Run.
Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC): Based in Idaho, USA, since 2001, RMC revolutionized wooden coasters with their I-Box steel track conversions for extreme airtime and elements. They’re famous for hybrid transformations like Steel Vengeance (Cedar Point) and Iron Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa).
Mack Rides: A German family company founded in 1780 (amusement focus since the 1950s), known for versatile launched coasters, water rides, and spinners. They emphasize quality and theming; highlights include Helix (Liseberg) and Ride to Happiness (Plopsaland).
Zamperla: Italian manufacturer since 1966, offering a wide range from kiddie rides to thrill coasters and flat rides. They’re strong in family-friendly and portable attractions; examples include Thunderbolt (Coney Island) and various Disney installations.
Gerstlauer: Founded in 1982 in Germany, they produce compact infinity coasters, Euro-Fighters, and family rides with custom theming. Popular for space-efficient thrills; rides like The Smiler (Alton Towers) and HangTime (Knott’s Berry Farm).
Chance Rides: US-based since the 1960s, specializing in classic family rides like carousels, trains, Ferris wheels, and some coasters. They’re reliable for zoos and regional parks; known for people movers and observation wheels.
Zierer: German company since 1930, focusing on family coasters, wave swingers, and kiddie rides. They’re great for customizable, mid-sized attractions; examples include Lisebergbanan (Liseberg).
S&S – Sansei Technologies: Utah-based (with Japanese ownership), known for air-powered launches, 4D free spins, and tower rides. They acquired Arrow Dynamics assets; notable for El Loco models and screamin’ swing rides.
Great Coasters International (GCI): US wooden coaster specialist since 1994, delivering twisty, airtime-filled rides with Millennium Flyer trains for smoothness. Favorites include Thunderhead (Dollywood) and retracks like GhostRider (Knott’s).
Fabbri Group: Italian since the 1950s, producing thrill rides, giant wheels, and family attractions like boosters and pendulum rides. Strong in traveling fairs and parks.