Franz Mack
German entrepreneur (1921-2010)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Franz Mack (7 March 1921 – 3 October 2010) was a German entrepreneur. He is the founder of Europa-Park.
- Heinrich Mack (father)
- Theresia Mack (mother)
Franz Mack | |
|---|---|
Franz Mack statue in Europa-Park | |
| Born | March 7, 1921 |
| Died | 3 October 2010 (aged 89) |
| Spouse | Liesel Mack |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Roland Mack (son) Jürgen Mack (son) Michael Mack (grandson) Thomas Mack (grandson) |
Personal life
Career
After completing his compulsory education (Volksschule), Mack learned the profession of coachbuilding and later qualified as a certified master craftsman.[2] At the age of 16, he started working as a design engineer in his parents' carriage and carousel factory in Waldkirch, Mack Rides, formerly known as Heinrich Mack GmbH & Co. KG.[4] The origins of the factory date back to 1780.[3][5]
His professional career was interrupted by the Second World War. Franz Mack spent several years as a prisoner of war. In August 1947, he and his brother fled from a camp in Alsace, France. After his father had hidden him for a year with a showman in the American Zone in Frankfurt, he returned to Germany. In Frankfurt, he returned to his native town of Waldkirch after the German currency reform in 1948.[4]
In 1958, Mack and his brothers Hermann and Willi took over the carriage and carousel factory from his father.[6][7]
Europa-Park
In July 1975, Mack opened Europa-Park with his son Roland. Originally, the purpose of the park was to showcase the products of the carousel factory.[3][8][9] Mack developed several roller coasters, like Eurosat, built in 1989, as well as the high-speed roller coaster from 1997, Euro-Mir.[4][7][10][11]
Memberships and awards
Mack was a member of the DIN 4112 standards committee, responsible for the construction and operation of amusement rides. He also had a seat on the supervisory board of Volksbank Waldkirch and was involved in various honorary offices.[12]
Mack received the following awards:
- 1984: Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdientkreuz).[13]
- 1991: Lorenz Werthmann Medal of Caritas.[12]
- 1997: Grand Cross 1st class (Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany).[12]
- 2001: Honorary Citizen of the Municipality of Rust.[14]
- 2006: Medal of Merit in Gold of the town of Waldkirch.[13]
- 2006: Hall of Fame of the IAAPA.[15]