ETF Ride Systems, a leading ride designer and manufacturer, has announced that its founder, Ruud Koppens, retired on 1 July.
Koppens, 67, retires while still in good health to spend more time with his wife, three children, and five grandchildren. He has been a member of the ETF Group for nearly 51 years, and launched ETF Ride Systems as part of the ETF Group 26 years ago.
Legacy of innovation
Under Koppens’ leadership, ETF Ride Systems has grown into a well-known industry name, serving museums as well as the amusement park sector. It is recognised for its exceptional technological reliability, with a 99.5% uptime and minimal maintenance expenses.
Its long-standing team will continue to oversee the company, which has been acquired by a private family group with extensive experience in the amusement industry. The new owners plan to keep ETF Ride Systems as an independent firm, with the same workforce and location.
Koppens has been the key driver in ETF Ride Systems’ success, especially its trackless dark-ride vehicles. To date, more than 750 units have been constructed. Continuing his legacy of innovation, Koppens leaves the company and the market with a new product. He recently led the creation of a high-end trackless vehicle, the Dynamic Mover.
This has improved speed, acceleration and deceleration, omnidirectional driving, increased passenger cabin rotations, and incline navigation. In particular, it no longer uses the well-known ETF floor wire. The Dynamic Mover will be revealed at IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, followed by the IAAPA Expo 2024 in Orlando.
Koppens’ retirement reception will be hosted on 15 July. In addition, he plans to attend IAAPA Amsterdam to say farewell to clients and business colleagues. He will also continue to provide guidance and feedback to the ETF team as needed.
“The entire ETF team is grateful for Ruud’s contributions and leadership. They wish him all the best for the future and express their appreciation for the legacy he leaves behind,” says a spokesperson from the firm.
ETF Ride Systems recently celebrated 25 years in the attractions industry and announced projects in the US and Europe.
