Stroud thrill-ride firm wins deal to build Weston pier attractions (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud thrill-ride firm wins deal to build Weston pier attractions

12:25pm Wednesday 13th January 2010 in News By Nick Wakefield

STROUD-based electric rides company Gravitron is bracing itself for a real rollercoaster year having just secured the biggest contract in its history - to build a host of attractions for Weston-super-Mare’s new Grand Pier.

The manufacturing and design firm has even doubled its workforce and relocated to larger premises to complete the £1 million-plus deal in time for the pier’s grand reopening this summer.

Among the seven new attractions it is currently building at its base in Wycliffe Industrial Estate is an 18-metre high twin helter skelter slide, a mirror maze and an old-fashioned style crazy house featuring 36 fun obstacles.

Also under construction is a new ghost train with spooky animatronics, dodgems, a psychedelic 3D light show house and two classic-style electric passenger trains featuring seats made from reclaimed wood salvaged from the old pier deck after it burnt down in July 2008.

Since winning the lucrative deal in October, Gravitron’s workforce has shot up to 31 employees from 15 this time last year and production has shifted to two new premises, including a 10,000 sq. ft shop floor.

Joint company director Heather Latham, who set up Gravitron 15 years ago with her husband Morgan, said: "This is a real jewel in the crown for us.

"Apart from the company’s mass growth the pier contract will be a fantastic showcase for the kind of manufacturing and design we can offer.

"Everyone is really proud to be working on this project and we are all excited about seeing our attractions on display to the world."

She added that the company was due to build a new electric go-cart track for the pier’s owners before the huge fire obliterated the historic attraction.

In recent years the firm has exported its range of electric-powered thrill rides all over globe, including some installations at Alton Towers.

It also manufactures a range of air and water-cooled electric motors and has recently produced prototypes for major car firms including Lotus, Land Rover and Ford.

For more information visit the company website at www.gravitron.co.uk