S&S Worldwide (S&S), an industry-leading manufacturer of amusement park rides and roller coasters, is celebrating the reopening of the Steel Curtain coaster at Kennywood Park, following structural updates.
“We take pride in our rides,” says S&S president and CEO Jason Mons. “So, when we discovered that the structural movement of the Steel Curtain could impact its longevity, we started making plans both internally and with the park.”
This embodies one of S&S’s core values: Integrity. “We stand by our rides and the code requirements and specifications that govern them. We do not compromise ride safety or quality, regardless of the situation, cost, or schedule.”
Keeping the ride running for future generations
Although Steel Curtain was always safe for riders, S&S recognised that the structural movement might impact the ride’s longevity. Consequently, the engineering and service teams collaborated with park management and industry professionals to get the ride running again.
S&S has appreciated the collaboration throughout the project. “Working with Kennywood, Palace Entertainment, and Parques Reunidos, has been such a great experience,” says S&S executive director of sales and marketing, Trever Dyer.
“We are grateful for such committed partners that share our long-term vision to keep this amazing ride running for many generations.”
The firm says it is excited for Kennywood guests to experience this record-breaking coaster once more. Standing at 220 feet, Steel Curtain is the tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania. Additionally, it holds two more records: the highest inversion and the most inversions in North America, with a total of nine.
Last month, Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened its reimagined Ice Blast ride, Launch Pad, which now offers a space exploration theme. As part of the transformation, a new 210-foot pressure cylinder was installed to transform the ride experience, thrusting riders with even more force. This was overseen by an engineer from S&S, the ride’s manufacturer.
