Biography
Anton 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 also designed the first launched roller coaster in the world by means of weight-drop technology, the Shuttle Loop. The first installation was King Kobra at Kings Dominion in Virginia. This coaster was later moved to Alton Towers, where it became well known as Thunder Looper. After its third move, it now resides at Hopi Hari in Brazil as Katapul.
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 firm; and as a result, many older rides credited to Intamin were actually designed and created by Schwarzkopf.
Schwarzkopf's prowess as a businessman was relatively lacking. 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 died on 30 July 2001 after suffering from Parkinson's disease for many years. His son Wieland reportedly remains in the amusement business, designing rides for another company.
One of his former employees, Werner Stengel, is now a prestigious designer of roller coasters and amusement rides.
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