Ton Merkx has over 41 years of experience in various technical positions within the world of amusement parks. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences, he began his career in 1983 at Efteling as a draughtsman/design engineer. Here, he worked on animatronics for Fata Morgana and supported the Technical Department with technical modifications and the development of new attractions. After six years, Ton was promoted to Head of Technical Services (Mechanical & Electrical Engineering), where he was responsible for introducing the first maintenance software at Efteling. In 1995, he moved to Warner Bros. Movie World in Bottrop, Germany. As Director of Operations, he was closely involved in the opening of the park in 1996, after which he took on the role of Technical Director.In 2000, Ton returned to the Netherlands as Technical Affairs Manager, where he was responsible for setting up the Technical Affairs department and the opening of Six Flags Holland (later Walibi Holland). For 16 years, he worked continuously on optimizing and professionalizing the maintenance organization.
For the last eight years of his career, Ton was Global Technical Director at Merlin Entertainments (UK), where he was responsible for the technical strategy and maintenance management of all ten LEGOLAND parks worldwide.
Expertise and specializations:
- Maintenance management of amusement parks and attractions
- Technical design, preparation, and commissioning of new attractions
- Implementation and use of maintenance software (EAM/CMMS), including Ultimo and Hexagon/Infor, at Efteling, WBMW, Walibi, and LEGOLAND parks
- Compliance, qualification, and training of technical personnel
- Optimization of workflows and processes within technical services
- Monitoring and improvement of the technical availability of attractions
Ton has been a member of the NVDO (Dutch Association for Effective Maintenance) for over 20 years and was nominated for the title of Maintenance Manager of the Year in 2014. He is also an active member of IAAPA, where he is committed to raising awareness of professional asset management within the amusement park sector.