Mack Rides

Mack Rides GmbH & Co KG, also known simply as Mack Rides is a German company that designs and constructs amusement rides. Mack Rides in headquartered in Waldkirch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Mack Rides is one of the world's oldest amusement industry suppliers and builds all kinds of amusement devices including several types of flat rides, dark rides, log flumes, tow boat rides and roller coasters. The family that owns Mack Rides also owns Europa-Park.

History

1780s-1950s

Mack Rides traces its roots back to 1780 when Paul Mack, a young entrepreneur, started building carriages and stagecoaches. The Mack Company began building organ wagons and caravans for traveling showmen in 1880 commencing the company's involvement in the amusement industry. The first wooden roller coaster was built in 1921, the first car ride in 1936 and the first wooden bobsled ride in 1951. By 1952 Mack Rides started increasing its exports of rides into the U.S. market.

1950s-present

Europa-Park is run by the Mack family. Franz Mack (1921–2010) in 1958 took over the family firm, Mack GmbH & Co (now Mack Rides), together with his brothers. Together with his son Roland (b. 1949) he visited the USA in 1972 and was inspired to open a theme park in Germany, as an exhibition site for his company's products.