Ogden, Utah, November 2000 – Setpoint Engineered System of Ogden, Utah, has been split into two corporations: Setpoint, Inc., which will focus on amusement park systems and rides and Setpoint Systems, Inc., which will focus on industrial automation and lean manufacturing.
Setpoint was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine. The company was founded in 1992 and has experienced 627% growth over the last four years.
Joe VanDenBerghe has been named president of Setpoint, Inc. which will be focused on the entertainment industry. Setpoint Systems, Inc. will be headed by Joe Cornwell who was named president. His expertise will continue to be used on design of rides and marketing of Setpoint, Inc.
“The reorganization of Setpoint allows the companies to focus its executive talent on its two key businesses,” noted VanDenBerghe. “With the success of the flying Super Saturator roller coaster which recently opened with Paramount Parks in North Carolina, Setpoint, Inc. can focus on the exciting business of producing amusement park rides.”
“Setpoint Systems, Inc. will continue to focus on producing custom automation of manufacturing companies on-time and within budget. Setpoint Systems has developed a unique open management process which supports its lean manufacturing projects,” Mr. Cornwell explained.
Setpoint has won wide acclaim for its innovative “wet” roller coaster, the world’s first interactive ride. The Flying Super Saturator, designed with S.C.S. Interactive, Inc., touts the world’s first aerial water battle. Riders pass through a series of rain curtains, water geysers, and shots from water cannons. Those standing in line fire water cannons at the coaster’s riders. Each rider also has a supply of water on board which they can drop on those waiting below.
“It is a ride for those who want to cool off in the hot summer weather,” notes VanDenBerghe. “Families get a big kick out of it and often refer to the coaster as a family experience, not just a ride.”
Joe VanDenBerghe, president of Setpoint, Inc., is one of the two founders of the company. He was manager of Arrow Dynamics Electrical Engineering Department from 1987 to 1993 where he produced control systems for more than 30 amusement rides. Mr. VanDenBerghe also worked for Hercules in Brigham City. He received his degree in electrical engineering from Utah State University.
A professionally licensed engineer, he is an expert in roller coaster safety systems and has been involved in the latest revision of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification for an amusement park ride control and safety system design.
Joe Cornwell, president of Setpoint Systems is also a company founder. He served as director of engineering for Arrow Dynamics and was a mechanical engineer and project manager for Thiokol. He was also a mechanical engineer for Fluor Corporation. His degree is from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn., in mechanical engineering and he is a professionally licensed engineer. Mr. Cornwell is on the Preventive Maintenance Committee for ASTM.
For Additional Information:
Joseph Knight, CEO
801-621-4117
