What S&S - Sansei Technologies does

S&S Worldwide, Inc. (operating as S&S - Sansei Technologies) is a privately held amusement ride and roller coaster manufacturer headquartered in North Logan, Utah. Founded in 1994 by Stan Checketts as S&S Sports Power and renamed S&S Worldwide in 1998, the company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan's Sansei Technologies, Inc. since 2012. Its core technology is a patented pneumatic air launch system, originally developed for vertical tower rides (Space Shot, Turbo Drop, Double Shot) and extended into launched roller coasters, the Screamin' Swing pendulum ride, and the Spin Shot Tower retrofit. The current product lineup spans tower rides, hyper coasters, air launch coasters, LSM triple launch coasters, El Loco family thrill coasters, the 4D Free Spin and 4th Dimension rotating coasters, the AXIS coaster, the Free Fly Coaster, RailRyder family coasters, mine train and family inverted coasters, plus the Screamin' Swing in 4- to 40-seat configurations.

The business model combines custom-engineered new ride sales with a comprehensive aftermarket ecosystem. New rides are sold directly to theme and amusement parks worldwide through an enterprise field-sales model, with regional account executives covering North America, Europe, South America, and Australia; the company cites 400+ installations across 30+ countries as the largest U.S. manufacturer of major amusement rides. Hardware revenue is generated per project (pricing is not publicly disclosed and is handled via sales inquiries), while recurring and project revenue is supplemented by spare parts (including a dedicated line for legacy Arrow Dynamics rides), 24/7 technical and field services, and full ride rehabilitation, reconditioning, and train replacement executed either on customer sites or at the 110,000 sq ft Logan facility. S&S's customer base includes major regional parks such as Hersheypark, Kennywood Park (via Palace Entertainment and Parques Reunidos), and Lagoon, as well as international venues such as Fuji-Q Highland, Sun Tzu Cultural Park, and Changsha Window of the World. The company's competitive position rests on patented launch and rotation technologies, sole-supplier status on Arrow Dynamics legacy parts, decades-tenured engineering talent, and a multi-decade record of record-breaking installations (e.g., Dodonpa at 107 mph, Steel Curtain with 9 inversions, Hersheypark's 137-foot Twizzlers Twisted Gravity).

Name

S&S - Sansei Technologies

Legal name

S&S Worldwide, Inc.

Website

https://s-s.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

S&S Worldwide is a U.S. manufacturer of roller coasters, tower rides, and family amusement attractions, built on patented pneumatic air launch technology. The North Logan, Utah-based company sells directly to theme parks in 30+ countries and supports an aftermarket of spare parts, technical service, and Arrow Dynamics legacy ride rehabilitation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Amusement Ride Manufacturing

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (713110)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Amusement Parks & Theme Parks (THAAAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Amusement Parks (Regional/Local Ride Parks & Funfairs) (THAJAEAD)

Keywords

• Roller coaster manufacturing
• Amusement ride engineering
• Vertical thrill rides
• Family amusement attractions
• Theme park ride supplier

Headquarters

HQ city

Logan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. New Ride Sales: S&S designs, engineers, manufactures, and sells new roller coasters, tower rides, and family amusement rides to theme parks globally. Products include hyper coasters, air launch coasters, LSM triple launch coasters, 4D free spin coasters, 4th dimension coasters, AXIS coasters, El Loco coasters, family inverted coasters, mine train coasters, free fly coasters, RailRyder coasters, tower rides (Space Shot, Turbo Drop, Double Shot, Rotating Tower), and Screamin' Swing rides.
2. Spare Parts: S&S offers high quality spare parts for all their rides and attractions. Part coordinators respond to quotes in a timely manner. Parts meet current standards and are competitively priced. Includes parts for both S&S and acquired Arrow Dynamics rides.
3. Technical and Field Services: S&S offers a variety of services including annual ride inspections and tune-ups, valve calibrations, ride upgrades, troubleshooting, and technical and engineering services. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
4. Ride Rehabilitation and Reconditioning: Full train replacements, full-service refurbishment, new fiberglass bodies, upgraded custom theming, vehicle upgrades, fresh paint, electrical system updates, restraint modifications, and new parts. Services available at customer parks or at S&S's Utah facility.
5. Arrow Rides Support and Parts: S&S acquired specific assets of Arrow Dynamics in 2002 and continues to support these rides, maintaining inventory of specific Arrow parts and managing the archive of Arrow drawings and documents.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

S&S Worldwide designs, engineers, manufactures, and sells new roller coasters, tower rides, family thrill rides, and pneumatic swing rides to theme parks and amusement venues globally, supported by spare parts, technical/field services, and ride rehabilitation/reconditioning. Its offering spans 14 distinct ride product lines plus lifecycle services, leveraging patented pneumatic air launch, 4D rotating seats, magnetic 4D Free Spin, AXIS rotating vehicles, and RailRyder single-rail technologies.

Product overview

S&S Worldwide (S&S – Sansei Technologies) is a roller coaster and amusement ride manufacturer offering a diversified portfolio of thrill rides and family attractions. The product lineup centers on core ride categories: Tower Rides (Space Shot, Turbo Drop, Combo Tower, Double Shot Tower, Rotating Tower), Hyper Coasters, Launch Coasters (Air Launch Coaster, LSM Triple Launch Coaster), Family Coasters (RailRyder, Mine Train Coaster, Family Inverted Coaster, Free Fly Coaster), and Thrill Coasters (4D Free Spin Coaster, 4th Dimension Coaster, El Loco Coaster, AXIS Coaster, Screamin' Swing). Supporting the ride portfolio is a comprehensive service ecosystem including Ride Rehabilitation, Technical and Field Services, Arrow Rides support (legacy Arrow Dynamics acquired in 2002), and Spare Parts. The company operates from Logan, Utah with over 400 rides installed in over 30 countries, positioning itself as the international leader in amusement park rides and roller coasters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tower Rides High-capacity, high-visibility tower rides featuring patented pneumatic air launch technology, including Space Shot, Turbo Drop, Combo Tower, Double Shot Tower, and Rotating Tower variations with customizable height, vehicle capacities, and operation sequences and a miniscule footprint. Designed for theme parks and amusement venues seeking signature vertical attractions.
• Hyper Coaster Traditional roller coaster designed for maximum thrill or maximum airtime, with customizable layouts and chain lift, LSM launch, or air launch options and lap bar restraint for rider freedom. Sold to theme parks seeking a marquee thrill coaster.
• Screamin' Swing Pneumatic-powered giant swing ride applying S&S's patented launch technology, available in 4, 8, 16, 32, and 40 seat configurations with throughput from 120 to 1,200 riders per hour and customizable thrill levels for all ages. Sold to theme parks.
• LSM Triple Launch Coaster High-powered coaster using Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) technology with three launches, compact footprint, outwardly banked turns combining airtime and inversions, and track reuse for maximized value. Sold to theme parks.
• El Loco Coaster Family-friendly thrill coaster featuring extreme 120-degree drop, inversions, outwardly banked turns, small footprint, lap bar restraint, and optional on-board audio and custom lighting. Sold to theme parks.
• Air Launch Coaster High-speed launched coaster using patented compressed air launch technology capable of accelerating to record-breaking speeds instantly, with customizable airtime-focused or inversion-focused layouts. Sold to theme parks globally.
• 4th Dimension Coaster Innovative roller coaster with patented seats that rotate independently of track orientation up to 360 degrees via additional rails, offering adjustable restraints and exposed wing seating. Sold to theme parks seeking unique head-over-heels ride experiences.
• 4D Free Spin Coaster Spinning coaster using patented magnetic technology to induce and control spinning on cars inspired by the 4th Dimension ride, with seat pair thrill level customization in minutes. Sold to theme parks.
• AXIS Coaster Revolutionary coaster using patented rotating vehicle technology turned on a new axis to deliver deliberate, fluid movements giving riders a feeling of flying, available in thrill or family layouts and chain lift or LSM launch options. Sold to theme parks.
• RailRyder Family-friendly coaster inspired by Arrow Dynamics' Steeplechase Coaster featuring a sleek ribbon-style single rail track, rail-hugging open-air vehicles with inline seating and seatbelt restraints, and 39-inch minimum rider height. Sold to theme parks and family entertainment venues.
• Free Fly Coaster Revolutionary coaster featuring longitudinal spinning gondolas and a unique air suspension system offering a weightless sensation, with adjustable air pressure seating and throughput of 410 to 1,500 passengers per hour. Awarded IAAPA 2009 Best New Major Amusement Ride of the Year.
• Mine Train Coaster Modern revival of the classic Arrow Mine Train Coaster with new lightweight body style, high-capacity train with lap bar restraint, silent anti-rollback lift system, and track layouts that fit park theming. Sold to theme parks.
• Family Inverted Coaster Family-oriented inverted coaster accommodating riders from smallest adventurers to thrill seekers, with lap bar restraint, high-capacity train, unintimidating elements, and optional on-board audio. Sold to theme parks and family entertainment venues.
• Spin Shot Tower Patented product combining 4D Free Spin coaster seat technology with S&S tower rides, allowing custom ride profiles to orient riders face-up, face-down, or upside down; retrofittable to any S&S tower. Sold to theme parks with existing S&S tower installations.
• Ride Rehabilitation, Reconditioning, and Train Replacement Comprehensive ride rehabilitation and reconditioning services including train replacements, full-service refurbishment, new fiberglass bodies, upgraded custom theming, vehicle upgrades, fresh paint, electrical system updates, restraint modifications, and new parts; available at customer park or at S&S's Utah facility. Sold to theme park operators.
• Technical and Field Services Technical and field services including annual ride inspections and tune-ups, valve calibrations, ride upgrades, troubleshooting, and technical and engineering services, available 24/7, 365 days a year via remote diagnosis or on-site visit. Sold to theme park operators globally.
• Arrow Rides Support and Parts Support services for legacy Arrow Dynamics rides, including maintenance of inventory for specific Arrow parts and management of the archive of Arrow drawings and documents following S&S's 2002 asset acquisition. Sold to owners of Arrow Dynamics rides.
• Spare Parts High-quality spare parts for all S&S rides and attractions, plus Arrow Dynamics parts, competitively priced and meeting current standards, with part coordinators responding to quotes. Sold to theme park operators of S&S and Arrow Dynamics rides.

Quantifiable outcome

• World's fastest roller coaster launch: 107mph on Dodonpa (Fuji-Q Highland)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and flagship.

• LagooncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2026S&S and Lagoon have a long-standing partnership spanning 30 years, beginning with the Rocket ride. S&S built the Nutcracker Screamin' Swing at Lagoon's home park near S&S headquarters in Utah, marking a unique arrangement where S&S builds rides at its own facility for a nearby park. The partnership demonstrates S&S's ability to serve as both manufacturer and local attraction provider.
• Parques ReunidosmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 May 2025Parques Reunidos is involved alongside Palace Entertainment in Kennywood Park's operations. S&S collaborated with Parques Reunidos, Palace Entertainment, and Kennywood on the Steel Curtain coaster reopening project.
• HersheyparkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2024S&S and Hersheypark partnered to create Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, the world's tallest Screamin' Swing at 137 feet, debuting summer 2025. The ride features four branded zones across two gondolas inspired by Twizzlers flavors (Strawberry, Cherry, Hershey's Chocolate, Black Licorice). Hersheypark is Pennsylvania's largest amusement park. S&S noted a long-standing partnership with Hersheypark spanning multiple projects including maintaining Arrow rides, building Hershey Triple Towers, and now this record-breaking Screamin' Swing.
• Kennywood Park / Palace EntertainmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2018S&S designed and manufactured the Steel Curtain roller coaster for Kennywood Park's Steelers Country themed area. The ride set multiple records: 220 feet tall (Pennsylvania's tallest), 9 inversions (most in North America), and 197-foot-tall inversion. S&S partnered with Kennywood and Palace Entertainment on this record-breaking coaster, with the Pittsburgh Steelers also involved as a branding partner. The ride reopened in May 2025 after structural updates, with S&S collaborating with Kennywood, Palace Entertainment, and Parques Reunidos.
• Pittsburgh SteelersflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 November 2018The Pittsburgh Steelers partnered with Kennywood and S&S for the Steelers Country themed area and Steel Curtain coaster. The coaster vehicles feature black and gold colors matching the Steeler uniform, with number 33 on the lead vehicle (referencing the franchise's founding year 1933). The ride vehicles are shaped like footballs with laces facing outward. Steelers VP of Sales and Marketing Ryan Huzjak expressed enthusiasm about connecting the Steelers with Kennywood as a family attraction.
• Palace EntertainmentmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2018Palace Entertainment owns and operates Kennywood Park. S&S worked with Palace Entertainment alongside Kennywood and Parques Reunidos on the Steel Curtain coaster project and its 2025 reopening after structural updates.
• Changsha Window of the WorldcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2018S&S built and installed an Air Launch Coaster (40m height, 830m track, 100 KPH max speed, multiple inversions) for Changsha Window of the World, the largest theme park in central China. This was S&S's 5th Air Launch Coaster in China and the first S&S launch coaster to feature inversions.
• Sun Tzu Cultural ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 January 2018S&S is installing a 12-Seat Double Towers and Air Launch Coaster 'Lightning Speed' (930m long, tallest launch coaster in East China) for Sun Tzu Cultural Park in Shandong province, China. The Air Launch Coaster is S&S's 4th Air Launch Coaster installed in China.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bolliger & Mabillard: Swiss manufacturer of steel roller coasters and amusement rides, renowned for high-quality looping and hyper coasters (e.g., Batman, Kumba, Millennium Force support structures). Directly comparable to S&S as a premium specialty ride manufacturer selling complex custom thrill rides to major theme parks globally.
• Intamin Amusement Rides: Swiss/Liechtenstein-based manufacturer of roller coasters, water rides, and observation attractions including Top Thrill Dragster and many launched coaster concepts. Direct peer to S&S in custom thrill ride manufacturing, with overlapping customer base of major global theme parks.
• Mack Rides: German manufacturer of roller coasters, dark rides, and water rides, and parent of Gerstlauer. Directly comparable product portfolio (launched coasters, spinning coasters, family coasters) and serves the same global theme park customers.
• Vekoma: Dutch roller coaster and ride manufacturer producing family coasters, launched coasters, and spinning coaster systems (e.g., Mack-powered Toms Coaster products, spinning coaster family). Directly comparable to S&S in coaster manufacturing for theme parks worldwide.
• Zamperla: Italian manufacturer of amusement rides including roller coasters, flat rides, and tower rides (e.g., Thunderbolt at Luna Park). Direct competitor to S&S in the international thrill and family ride manufacturing market with similar product breadth.
• Gerstlauer Amusement Rides: German manufacturer of spinning coasters, launched coasters, and family coasters (now part of Mack Group). Directly comparable to S&S in compact spinning and launched coaster segments where both firms compete for parks seeking record-holding installations.
• Premier Rides: U.S.-based roller coaster manufacturer specializing in launched and spinning coasters using LIM/LSM technology. Directly comparable to S&S as an American custom coaster manufacturer competing for the same North American theme park customers and increasingly international projects.

Emerging players

• Rocky Mountain Construction: Idaho-based ride design and construction firm that pioneered I-Box and T-Rex wooden-to-steel hybrid coaster conversions. Comparable to S&S in custom thrill coaster delivery to U.S. theme parks, though focused on retrofit/hybrid conversions rather than full ground-up installations.
• Dynamic Attractions: Canadian firm designing dark rides, themed attractions, and custom roller coasters (e.g., Snoopy's Space Buggies, Disney Springtime Roundup). A more niche custom ride manufacturer that overlaps with S&S in delivering complex custom theme park attractions.

Broad incumbents

• Sansei Technologies: Japanese parent company of S&S Worldwide; parent Sansei manufactures and sells amusement ride systems and industrial mechanical equipment through multiple subsidiaries globally. S&S functions as the U.S. ride manufacturing subsidiary within this broader conglomerate portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCyJi4uenl18tUI2ytqkzWfA
• Facebookfacebook.com/SandSWorldwide
• Instagraminstagram.com/s_s_worldwide
• Xx.com/sandssansei

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about S&S - Sansei Technologies