Anton Schwarzkopf

Anton Schwarzkopf (1924-2001) was a prolific roller coaster engineer and founder of the Schwarzkopf Industries company, which built numerous amusement park rides and roller coasters.

Biography

Schwarzkopf was introduced into the industry with his father's involvement with the design of specialized trailers used to transport circus equipment. The company eventually transitioned into creating amusement rides. In 1960, Schwarzkopf took over his father's company leading to the creation of his first actual roller coaster, The Wildcat, in 1964.

Schwarzkopf Industries grew rapidly with the vast support of various customers praising the company's creations. Outside of Germany, the company was represented by the Intamin [1] (http://www.intaminworldwide.com) firm; and as a result, many older rides which say they were manufactured by Intamin were actually designed and created by Schwarzkopf.

Anton Schwarzkopf, unfortunately, endured many bad dealings as a businessman. His company suffered through several bankruptcies, resulting in the scrapping of many designs and deals with parks.

Schwarzkopf retired from the industry in 1995, and passed away on July 30, 2001 after suffering from Parkinson's disease for many years. His son Wieland reportedly remains in the amusement business, designing rides for another company. Although gone, Anton Schwarzkopf will never be forgotten in the amusement ride and roller coaster world. His designs and ideas truly revolutionized the business and many of his creations are still alive and running today in theme parks around the world.

References

Pantenburg, Michael. Schwarzkopf Coaster Net (http://schwarzkopf.coaster.net/unternehmenGF.htm). Retrieved Sep. 18, 2004.

External links

Schwarzkopf Coaster Net (http://schwarzkopf.coaster.net/)
RCDB.com list of Schwarzkopf-designed roller coasters (http://www.rcdb.com/installationresult.htm?coastername=&parkname=&type=&design=&category=&contact=16&status=&state=&country=&column=1%2C10%2C6%2C7%2C8%2C3%2C26%2C4%2C5&order=1%2C2%2C8%2C7%2C6)

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