ASSOCIATION • From the OABA Chair Chair’s Message Blake Huston, OABA Chair 2025
Forging the Future: The State of Manufacturers and Suppliers in the Amusement Business
W
hen the lights flicker on, the rides begin to whirl, and the smell of funnel cakes fills the air, it’s our manufacturers and suppliers that make
a lot of it possible. From the steel of our rides to the electri- cal heartbeats that power them, the state of the amusement business is inextricably tied to the innovation, resilience, and health of those who build and supply it.
A Complex Web Under Pressure Today, our industry’s backbone — its supply chain — is
walking a tightrope. The post-pandemic rebound saw a surge in demand for
rides, parts, lighting, bunkhouses, canvas, and concession trailers. But that demand collided head-on with global sup- ply shortages,
inflation, labor constraints, and increasing
regulatory requirements. For manufacturers of amusement rides and components, the pressure to deliver quality at speed has never been greater. Lead times for new rides are often now anywhere from
one to six years. Replacement parts for even the most rou- tine repairs can be delayed weeks or months — sometimes holding up entire operations. Even basic components are increasingly difficult to source without advanced planning and deep supplier relationships.
Labor Shortages: A Shared Burden Just like our midway operators, manufacturers and
suppliers are facing serious labor shortag- es. Skilled welders, electrical techs, and machinists are aging out, and young- er generations are slower to enter these trades. The result? Delays, increased costs, and reduced production capacity. This challenge isn’t just theirs to solve
— it affects all of us. Without a new generation of skilled tradespeople entering the pipeline, the future of manufac- turing and midway innovation could slow to a crawl. At the OABA, we believe in not only advocating for our show-
men, but also for the entire ecosystem that keeps this business rolling. Here’s how members can support our suppliers: Plan Further Ahead – Long lead times are the new norm. Forecasting repairs, upgrades, and orders helps the sup- plier as well as your own business.
Strengthen Relationships – Loyalty to quality suppliers matters now more than ever. Treat them like partners, not just vendors.
Share the Spotlight – Give credit publicly. If your supplier delivers a great product or service, mention them on your social media, website, or at trade shows. Word of mouth is gold in this business, and a public “thank you” helps build their brand — and your relationship.
Looking Forward The road ahead is not without bumps, but it’s also filled
with opportunity. As manufacturers streamline, innovate, and adapt, they need partners — like you — who understand the stakes. Together, we can build a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable amusement industry. Because at the end of the day, the ride may stop spinning —
but the work behind it never does. For the OABA, for the midway, and for the showmen behind it all — keep it lit, keep it loud.
Your Chairman, Blake Huston
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EUGEN /
STOCK.ADOBE.COM
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