# AMERICAN PINBALL VISIT **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2022-11-03 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2022/11/03/american-pinball-visit-2 --- ## Analysis Pinball News toured the American Pinball manufacturing facility in Palatine, Illinois on October 18, 2022, documenting their production operations, supply chain, and future strategy. The company operates two production lines with plans for a third, manufactures games using P3-ROC controllers, and is experiencing supply chain impacts from Russia's Ukraine invasion affecting wood sourcing. American Pinball is introducing a 'Classic' version of Legends of Valhalla with simplified components and plans to release at least two new titles annually while maintaining a healthy order book. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] American Pinball moved from Streamwood to Palatine facility, a move that took longer than planned — _Article states visit was to their 'new' premises and references previous 2018 visit to Streamwood location_ - [HIGH] The facility shares space with parent company Aimtron — _Direct statement: 'the home they share with parent company Aimtron'_ - [HIGH] Supply of wood for cabinets has been impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, forcing use of alternative more expensive materials — _Direct quote from article: 'Supply of the wood used to build the cabinets has been impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so alternative (and more expensive) wood is being used instead'_ - [HIGH] American Pinball operates two production lines with plans to construct a third — _Direct statement: 'The main game manufacturing area consists of two production lines... Plans are under way to construct a third line too'_ - [HIGH] American Pinball is introducing a 'Classic' version of Legends of Valhalla with simplified components — _Direct statement detailing replacement of custom moulded parts with flat plastics and making cosmetic enhancements optional_ - [HIGH] American Pinball intends to release at least two new titles each year — _Direct statement: 'Their intention is to be in a position to release at least two new titles each year'_ - [HIGH] American Pinball is currently back-ordered on all titles with a healthy order book — _According to EVP David Fix speaking on Pinball News and Pinball Magazine PINcast: 'they have a healthy order book and are currently back-ordered on all titles'_ ### Notable Quotes > "Supply of the wood used to build the cabinets has been impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so alternative (and more expensive) wood is being used instead to ensure game production continues with minimal disruption." > — **Pinball News (from interview/observation)**, October 18, 2022 > _Highlights supply chain vulnerability and cost pressures affecting manufacturers during geopolitical crisis_ > "Their intention is to be in a position to release at least two new titles each year." > — **American Pinball (via article)**, October 18, 2022 > _Signals healthy product pipeline and growth strategy for the manufacturer_ > "they have a healthy order book and are currently back-ordered on all titles" > — **David Fix, EVP American Pinball**, October 18, 2022 (PINcast appearance) > _Indicates strong demand and production capacity constraints for the manufacturer_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | American Pinball | company | Boutique pinball manufacturer based in Palatine, Illinois; operates two production lines with plans for third; owns titles Houdini, Oktoberfest, Hot Wheels, Legends of Valhalla | | Aimtron | company | Parent company that shares facility with American Pinball in Palatine | | Max Senesac | person | American Pinball's Sales & Marketing Manager; guided the factory tour | | Dennis Nordman | person | American Pinball's Senior Game Designer; discussed upcoming game designs during tour | | Barry Engler | person | American Pinball's Senior Production Manager; was loading games for Pinball Expo during tour | | David Fix | person | American Pinball's Executive Vice President; discussed business health on Pinball News/Magazine PINcast | | Pinball Expo 2022 | event | Annual pinball industry trade show in Schaumburg, Illinois; American Pinball had booth with multiple games | | Legends of Valhalla | game | Current flagship title from American Pinball; receiving 'Classic' tier variant; was being manufactured and shipped to Expo during tour | | Houdini | game | American Pinball title; target for Classic version treatment similar to Legends of Valhalla | | Oktoberfest | game | American Pinball title; in active production during tour | | Hot Wheels | game | American Pinball title; playfields on display in reception area | | P3-ROC | product | Programmable pinball control board used in all current American Pinball titles | | Magic Glass | product | American Pinball's anti-reflective glass; standard on higher-end models, optional extra on base models | | Palatine, Illinois | location | Location of American Pinball manufacturing facility at 500 S Hicks Rd; northwest of Chicago, 20 minutes from O'Hare, 15 minutes from Pinball Expo in Schaumburg | | Streamwood | location | Previous location of American Pinball facility before 2022 move to Palatine | | Pinball News | organization | Media outlet conducting factory tour and documentation; previous visit to facility in 2018 | ### Topics - **Primary:** Manufacturing operations and supply chain, Production capacity and expansion plans, Geopolitical supply chain impacts (Ukraine crisis), Product strategy and tiering (Classic version announcement) - **Secondary:** Demand and order book health, Future game pipeline, Facility tour and factory operations ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.75) — Tone is professional and informative with emphasis on operational capability, healthy demand, and expansion plans. Supply chain challenges mentioned factually without negative framing. Overall portrays American Pinball as operational and growing. ### Signals - **[business_signal]** American Pinball experiencing strong demand with backorder status on all titles and healthy order book; planning third production line expansion (confidence: high) — EVP David Fix stated company is 'back-ordered on all titles' with 'healthy order book'; article notes plans for third production line in factory - **[manufacturing_signal]** American Pinball operating dual production lines capable of building two different titles simultaneously or allowing workstation preparation for next title; playfields sourced from external supplier, sub-assembly work performed in-house (confidence: high) — Article documents two production lines with plans for third; describes playfield sourcing from external supplier with in-house drilling and population; sub-assembly area for mechanisms - **[product_strategy]** American Pinball pursuing aggressive release schedule with target of at least two new titles annually; healthy pipeline of future titles in development (confidence: high) — Direct statement: 'American Pinball has a healthy pipeline of future titles and is continuing to pursue licences for even more. Their intention is to be in a position to release at least two new titles each year.' - **[product_strategy]** American Pinball introducing 'Classic' tier variant with simplified components (flat plastics vs custom moulded) and optional cosmetic upgrades to address price/value ladder (confidence: high) — Article details Classic version replacing custom moulded parts with flat plastics, making Magic Glass and interior artwork optional; approach to be applied to earlier titles like Houdini - **[supply_chain_signal]** Manufacturing facing cost pressures and material constraints due to Russia-Ukraine invasion affecting wood sourcing for cabinets (confidence: high) — Direct statement: 'Supply of the wood used to build the cabinets has been impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so alternative (and more expensive) wood is being used instead' --- ## Transcript **Date:** 18th October 2022 **Location:** 500 S Hicks Rd, Palatine, IL 60067, USA As part of our Pinball Expo trip this year, Pinball News paid a visit to [American Pinball](https://www.american-pinball.com/) at their facility in Palatine, Illinois. Palatine is a village northwest of Chicago, around 20 minutes’ drive from O’Hare airport and 15 minutes from Pinball Expo in Schaumburg. Downtown Palatine is rather pleasant, with good eateries and a frequent train service to Chicago which takes around an hour. This was our first time at their ‘new’ premises at 500 S. Hicks Road. Our [previous visit in 2018](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2018/10/17/american-pinball-visit/) was to their original location in Streamwood when they were preparing for the move to Palatine. That move took longer than planned, but now we can finally show you around the home they share with parent company Aimtron. [![The American Pinball factory in Palatine](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/001-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/001-american-pinball-tour.jpg) The American Pinball factory in Palatine [![The entrance to American Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/002-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/002-american-pinball-tour.jpg) The entrance to American Pinball Walking into the lobby, it’s clear the place is kept very clean – something you will see throughout the manufacturing area too. [![In the foyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/003-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/003-american-pinball-tour.jpg) In the foyer Two backglasses were on display, but it seems like either Oktoberfest or Hot Wheels was taking a break. [![Backglasses on display in the foyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/004-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/004-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Backglasses on display in the foyer Walking into the reception area, playfields from Houdini, Oktoberfest and Hot Wheels are on display. [![Playfields for Houdini, Oktoberfest and Hot Wheels](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/050-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/050-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Playfields for Houdini, Oktoberfest and Hot Wheels We were greeted by Max Senesac, American Pinball’s Sales & Marketing Manager who was our guide. [![Max Senesac, American Pinball's Sales & Marketing Manager](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/048-american-pinball-tour-712x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/048-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Max Senesac, American Pinball’s Sales & Marketing Manager This visit took place the day before Pinball Expo began, so some of the company’s games and other items were either already in Schaumburg for the show, or were packed and about to depart. We started our tour in the storage area, where items not immediately needed for the production line or the stock room are kept. [![The storage area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/005-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/005-american-pinball-tour.jpg) The storage area The three Legends of Valhalla machines above were wrapped, strapped and about to head to Expo to appear on the American Pinball stand. The shelves held assorted game components, including wooden batons for the sides of the playfields, the playfields’ back panels, and various artwork decals for the cabinet and backbox. [![Cabinet and backbox decal storage](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/006-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/006-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Cabinet and backbox decal storage [![Oktoberfest cabinet and backbox decals](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/008-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/008-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Oktoberfest cabinet and backbox decals There were also more mundane items here, such as cash boxes, side rails and leg sets. [![More storage](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/009-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/009-american-pinball-tour.jpg) More storage Keeping track of everything is the job of the Stock Room staff. [![T-shirts on the front of the stock room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/010-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/010-american-pinball-tour.jpg) T-shirts on the front of the Stock Room This is where most of the game parts live until needed for the production line workstations. All parts must be inspected and checked-in when they arrive, and then checked out for manufacturing so that stock levels can be maintained. [![Inside the stock room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/011-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/011-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Inside the Stock Room [![Inside the stock room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/012-american-pinball-tour-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/012-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Inside the Stock Room However, the more common items such as screws, washers, nuts, bolts and posts are held in grab bins outside the Stock Room so they can be easily accessed if supplies on the line start to run short. [![Generic parts outside the stock room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/013-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/013-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Generic parts outside the Stock Room These parts are needed on both the production line and also in the sub-assembly area, where many of the mechanisms which go onto the playfield are built. [![Sub-assembly construction](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/014-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/014-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Sub-assembly construction This allows entire mechanisms such as animated toys, upper playfields or illuminated back panels to be built in advance, reducing the time needed on the line to build a playfield. [![Components for the sub-assemblies](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/015-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/015-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Components for the sub-assemblies [![Rubber kits for various American Pinball titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/016-american-pinball-tour-1024x648.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/016-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Rubber kits for various American Pinball titles American Pinball’s anti-reflective glass is marketed as ‘Magic Glass’ and is fitted as standard to their higher-end models of each title. It’s also available as an optional extra on the base models. [![American Pinball's anti-reflective Magic Glass](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/017-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/017-american-pinball-tour.jpg) American Pinball’s anti-reflective Magic Glass The more premium models also have bespoke powder-coated legs, side rails and other metalwork which is different for every title and all of which needs to be kept in stock. [![Each title's legs have a different finish](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/018-american-pinball-tour-1024x733.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/018-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Each title’s legs have a different finish The main game manufacturing area consists of two production lines. This allows two different titles to be built simultaneously, or one title to be built while the workstations for the next title are prepared on the second line. Plans are under way to construct a third line too. [![The game production area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/019-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/019-american-pinball-tour.jpg) The game production area Pinballs are constructed in three parts – playfield, backbox and cabinet. The playfield is the most complicated and is different for every title. Although the backboxes and cabinet designs have evolved over the years as new titles are released, American Pinball have been moving towards using a unified cabinet and backbox design for all titles. They also want to redesign the backbox to simplify its construction and to make it easier to connect a topper. [![Power supplies waiting to be installed in the games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/020-american-pinball-tour-651x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/020-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Power supplies waiting to be installed in the games [![The backbox construction area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/021-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/021-american-pinball-tour.jpg) The backbox construction area [![The P3-ROC pinball controllers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/022-american-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/022-american-pinball-tour.jpg) The P3-ROC pinball controller boards used in all current American Pinball titles [![Legends of Valhalla playfields and backboxes, plus an Oktoberfest backbox](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/023-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/023-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Legends of Valhalla playfields and backboxes, plus an Oktoberfest backbox At the time of our visit the company was waiting for a delivery of cabinets. Supply of the wood used to build the cabinets has been impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, so alternative (and more expensive) wood is being used instead to ensure game production continues with minimal disruption. The cut, printed and clearcoated playfields come from American Pinball’s playfield supplier. They are then drilled and populated with the T-nuts, posts and ball guides before being put into a rotisserie and places on the production line for all the mechanisms, sub-assemblies, PCBs, LEDs and switches to be added. [![A box of Legends of Valhalla playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/035-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/035-american-pinball-tour.jpg) A box of unpopulated Legends of Valhalla playfields [![A box of Houdini playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/046-american-pinball-tour-1024x712.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/046-american-pinball-tour.jpg) A box of bare Houdini playfields [![Drilling the playfields for screws, posts and ball guides](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/032-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/032-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Drilling the playfields for screws, posts and ball guides [![Drilling the playfields for screws, posts and ball guides](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/034-american-pinball-tour-1024x650.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/034-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Drilling the playfields for screws, posts and ball guides [![Racks of playfields with posts and ball guides installed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/033-american-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/033-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Racks of playfields with posts and ball guides installed [![Racks of completed Legends of Valhalla back panels](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/028-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/028-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Racks of completed Legends of Valhalla back panels [![Preparing decals for Oktoberfest](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/031-american-pinball-tour-1024x668.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/031-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Preparing decals for Oktoberfest Each workstation has a defined set of tasks to perform. The parts needed are put in bins and the printed instructions are posted above. [![More back panels and controller/driver boards](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/030-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/030-american-pinball-tour.jpg) More back panels and controller/driver boards [![Populating the underside of the playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/029-american-pinball-tour-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/029-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Populating the underside of the playfield ![More playfield population](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/039-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg) More playfield population [![Each workstation adds a defined set of components](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/042-american-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/042-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Each workstation adds a defined set of components [![Oktoberfest playfields on the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/024-american-pinball-tour-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/024-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Oktoberfest playfields on the line [![Working on the underside of the playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/025-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/025-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Working on the underside of the playfield Completed playfields are built and stored around the factory until they can be put into cabinets. [![Oktoberfest playfields make their way down the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/038-american-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/038-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Oktoberfest playfields make their way down the line [![The underside of the playfield is nearly finished](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/041-american-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/041-american-pinball-tour.jpg) The underside of the playfield is nearly finished [![Each workstation confirms they have installed the required parts](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/040-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/040-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Each workstation operative confirms they have installed the required parts [![Completed Oktoberfest playfield with Legends of Valhalla playfields on the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/026-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/026-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Completed Oktoberfest playfield with Legends of Valhalla playfields just coming off the line [![Completed Legends of Valhalla playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/027-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/027-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Completed Legends of Valhalla playfields ready for testing [![Finished playfields are tested](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/043-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/043-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Finished playfields are tested [![Plenty of shipping boxes for future production](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/037-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/037-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Plenty of shipping boxes for future production The area in the factory where the shipping boxes are currently stored is the intended location for the third production line. [![Finished, boxed and palleted games ready to ship](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/036-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/036-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Finished, boxed and palleted games ready to ship – these are destined for Australia [![An overview of the American Pinball factory](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/044-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/044-american-pinball-tour.jpg) An overview of the American Pinball factory While we were touring the factory, American Pinball’s Senior Production Manager, Barry Engler, was busy getting games loaded into trucks and sent on their way to Pinball Expo in Schaumburg. [![American Pinball's Senior Production Manager, Barry Engler](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/045-american-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/045-american-pinball-tour.jpg) American Pinball’s Senior Production Manager, Barry Engler American Pinball recently announced their new ‘Classic’ version of their current title, *Legends of Valhalla*. This involves replacing some of the custom moulded playfield parts with flat plastics and making some of the cosmetic enhancements such as the Magic Glass and interior cabinet artwork optional extras. Where appropriate, this approach is likely to be applied to earlier titles such as *Houdini*. [![An original Houdini and an upcoming Classic model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/047-american-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/047-american-pinball-tour.jpg) An original Houdini and an upcoming Classic model We were also fortunate to visit American Pinball’s Senior Game Designer, Dennis Nordman, in his office and to talk to him about some of his upcoming designs. From what we have seen and played so far, there are some exciting things coming soon from the company. [![Dennis Nordman, American Pinball's Senior Game Designer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/049-american-pinball-tour-1024x689.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/american-pinball-tour/049-american-pinball-tour.jpg) Dennis Nordman, American Pinball’s Senior Game Designer American Pinball has a healthy pipeline of future titles and is continuing to pursue licences for even more. Their intention is to be in a position to release at least two new titles each year. Meanwhile, according to the company’s Executive Vice President, David Fix, who was speaking on the [Pinball News and Pinball Magazine PINcast](https://Chris Ancarrow.fm/pinball-industry-news), they have a healthy order book and are currently back-ordered on all titles. That ends our tour of the American Pinball factory. We hope you enjoyed seeing it, and huge thanks to David and Max for the invitation and the guided tour. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 856541cf-8498-4401-a5f9-93db4bc48d69*