From wooden carts and ladder wagons to a short-break destination
What began in 1780 as a small workshop in the picturesque southern Black Forest is now a global leader in the leisure industry. Paul Mack laid the foundations for a success story that now spans eight generations by manufacturing wooden carts and wagons.
With passion, innovation and quality, the Mack family has shaped the leisure industry - from traditional fairground rides to modern attractions that delight guests around the world.
None of us thinks in terms of financial years; rather, we think in terms of generations.
Eighth generation: The future of the Mack family
Tradition meets innovation
With the support and experience of Roland and Jürgen Mack, the eighth generation is leading the family business with vision into a sustainable and digital future. New technologies, global gastronomic innovations and visionary business areas characterise the MACK Group and set new standards in the leisure industry.
Whether in Europe or around the world, the Mack family remains true to its tradition of inspiring people with unique experiences and advancing the industry with creative innovations.
Michael Mack
As the eldest member of the eighth generation, he is committed to developing the MACK Group's strategy beyond Europa-Park.
Thomas Mack
The restaurateur is rethinking cuisine, hospitality and experiences and manages the Europa-Park Resort's operations.
Ann-Kathrin Mack
The architect with an eye for special and unusual details.
Frederik Mack
The HR expert and director is fully committed to the employees of the Europa-Park Resort.
Alexia Mack
The business psychologist with a talent for optimising HR and corporate structures.
Miriam Mack
The health expert and Croatian Honorary Consul actively builds important bridges within the group of companies.
Katja Mack
The mentor specialising in art, staging and talent promotion.
Nicolas Mack
The strategist and expert for brand positioning and partnerships at the Europa-Park Resort.
The seventh generation: Roland & Jürgen Mack
From theme park ride manufacturer to theme park
Together with their father Franz, Roland and Jürgen made their dream come true with Europa-Park. The park opened in 1975 and quickly became one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions. At the same time, MACK Rides introduced innovative rides to the market, which were in great demand internationally.
Quality, innovation and family fun are the cornerstones of their success, which has shaped the leisure industry worldwide.
Sixth generation: Franz Mack
Franz Mack leads the company into new dimensions. He revolutionises the company's own ride construction with polythene and establishes new departments for electrical engineering and plastics processing. In 1958, MACK Rides moves to a larger factory. With groundbreaking developments such as the Eurosat dark rollercoaster and the Euro-Mir spinning coaster, Franz Mack played a decisive role in the company's international success.
Fifth generation:
Heinrich Mack III.
From 1908, Heinrich Mack III concentrated on the show business industry. In addition to high-quality residential and packing wagons, the first theme park rides were built. In 1921 he developed the first transportable wooden rollercoaster. In the 1930s, the 'Avus-Bahn' go-kart attraction became a milestone in the theme park industry. After the Second World War, Mack expanded into the international market with innovative carousels and bumper cars.
Fourth generation:
Heinrich Mack II.
After his father's death, Heinrich Mack II took over the business in 1886. The emerging fairground market brought new customers: Circuses and fairground operators ordered residential and packing wagons. However, a devastating fire destroyed the workshops in 1893. Heinrich Mack II rebuilt everything and established the company as a leading manufacturer of fairground wagons - a milestone in the company's history.
Third generation:
Heinrich Mack I.
Heinrich Mack I marks the beginning of the triumph of the carriage. Lighter but sturdier models make travel more comfortable and reliable. A regular service between Waldkirch and Freiburg is introduced. The company also begins to manufacture special transport vehicles, which are soon in demand throughout Germany. The course is set for success beyond the region.
Second generation:
Johann Mack
In 1833, Johann Mack took over his father's business and developed it further. As well as building sturdy carriages for merchants and travellers, he modernised the town's water supply, replacing wooden pipes with more durable metal ones. Thanks to his technical expertise and business acumen, the company grew steadily and became a fixture in the region.
First generation:
Paul Mack
In 1780, Paul Mack founded a small carriage workshop in the southern Black Forest. With diligence and skill, he produced means of transport for merchants, farmers and nobles. He also secured the town's water supply as a well master. His reputation for quality soon spread. With his courage to go it alone, he laid the foundations for one of Germany's oldest family businesses: The MACK Group.
