ETF is celebrating a significant milestone in 2026: its 75th anniversary. Starting in 1951 as a manufacturer of machines for the textile and floor covering industries, ETF has expanded into a global company with two major divisions, including ETF Ride Systems, a leading ride designer and manufacturer.
Today, it operates over 100 ride systems and 800 vehicles in theme parks and museums worldwide. The anniversary will be commemorated throughout 2026 with a special celebration logo showcased both online and offline.
Decades of expertise
Building on decades of engineering expertise, ETF entered the leisure sector in the 1990s. This eventually led to the founding of ETF Ride Systems in 1998, bringing advanced vehicle and transportation technologies to theme parks, amusement parks, museums, and FECs.
Today, ETF Ride Systems designs and supplies both trackless and track-based ride systems, with over 100 installations globally.
Its projects include attractions like Symbolica at Efteling, Maus au Chocolat at Phantasialand, and The Enchanted Greenhouse at Six Flags Qiddiya City, developed in collaboration with Jora Vision (creative lead) and Alterface.
Based in Nederweert, the Netherlands, ETF Ride Systems designs ride vehicles, control systems, and transport technologies for clients worldwide.
The division collaborates with leading theme parks, designers, and creative partners to turn complex ride concepts into dependable, immersive ride systems.
Peter Kerstjens, CEO of ETF, says: “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.”
Although it is celebrating its 75-year engineering legacy, ETF Ride Systems is also looking to the future. The company is developing new ride systems and advancing vehicle technology and ride control innovations, continually expanding the possibilities for immersive attractions across the global leisure industry.
Last year, ETF Ride Systems joined forces with Intamin to introduce an innovative new ride system, the Multi Dimension Mover.
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
