Zamperla races to double turnover

An order book that covers more than 24 months of production for Antonio Zamperla, a Veneto-based pocket-sized multinational and world leader in the design and production of roller coasters and other adrenalin-fuelled attractions that defy the laws of physics, as well as children's rides.

"We have orders for more than 24 months of activity," explains Antonio Zamperla, the Group's CEO and third generation of the family business. "In addition, with customers such as Disney, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. we have multi-year orders that see an increase compared to the past. The comparison between 2019 and 2023 shows how the orders received are increasing and the current portfolio represents a record in the last decade for the Group'.

Driving this growth is the roller coaster division inaugurated in 2021 by Antonio Zamperla himself at the height of the health emergency. The division's mission is to design and build roller coasters with a special focus on adrenaline-pumping ones, a growing market segment. A choice that has proved successful in the light of the orders received.

The year 2023 is thus closed with a turnover of 100 million while the budget for the current year is 106 million. "The consolidated turnover expected for the two-year period 2024-2025 will exceed 200 million," continues the CEO. "This is the result of the investments made and of the market recognising our capacity for innovation, creativity and quality. The value of orders has also grown, and by a lot'. A few years ago, an order for an adrenaline-filled attraction such as a rollercoaster was worth approximately 3-5 million euro, "today it reaches 15-20 million per installation and more," Zamperla points out. "Our production is increasingly themed. There are attractions linked to the intellectual property of the film majors, to the theme of the park, but we can also provide this turnkey service thanks to our creative team".

Demand is evolving and the target markets are changing at the same time. With an export share of over 95 per cent, the most important outlet areas are North America and the Arabian Peninsula, while China, before the pandemic between 2014 and 2019, was worth 25-30 per cent of the Group's turnover and is now almost at a standstill. "Today, China is a single-digit market, below 10%," says Antonio Zamperla, "but the real estate bubble is holding back investment. Despite the unfavourable cycle, a contract has just been signed with a Chinese customer for the supply of a Double Heart, a triple-launch roller coaster that maximises adrenaline and fun.