ETF Celebrates 75th Anniversary

(eap) The Dutch company ETF, which began in 1951 as a machinery manufacturer for the textile and carpet industry and entered the development of ride systems for leisure and amusement facilities in 1998 with ETF Ride Systems under the leadership of founder Ruud Koppens, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

ETF CEO Peter Kerstjens comments: “75 years of ETF is first and foremost thanks to our people. Their craftsmanship, creativity and dedication enable us to deliver complex engineering solutions and unforgettable ride experiences for visitors around the world. We are proud of the trust our customers place in us and look forward to continuing to innovate together.”

ETF Ride Systems, which emerged as a supplier and brand from the ETF Group, has been in existence for more than 25 years and has installed more than one hundred ride systems in theme parks, attractions and FECs worldwide during this time. Recent references include completed projects such as “The Enchanted Greenhouse” at Six Flags Qiddiya City (in cooperation with Jora Vision and Alterface, cf. EAP 2/2026) as well as a trackless dark ride in the new Dutch family park Avonturenpark de Tovertuin (learn more in the upcoming EAP May/June issue).

At the end of last year, ETF Ride Systems also presented the “Multi Dimension Mover” – a product innovation developed jointly with the roller coaster specialists from Intamin, combining a trackless vehicle with launch accelerations and Multi-Dimension Coaster elements (cf. EAP News of 17 Nov 2025). ■