# JERSEY JACK PINBALL VISIT

**Source:** Pinball News Website  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2022-11-07  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2022/11/07/jersey-jack-pinball-visit

---

## Analysis

Pinball News provided a detailed factory tour of Jersey Jack Pinball's manufacturing facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, conducted on October 18, 2022, with game designer Eric Meunier as guide. The tour documented the complete production process from playfield inspection through final testing and shipping, covering playfield assembly, sub-assembly manufacturing, cabinet and backbox production, and quality control procedures. JJP was producing Toy Story 4 and Guns 'N Roses at the time of the visit, with a second production line temporarily shut down for the upcoming Pinball Expo public tour.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] JJP sources playfields from Mirco Playfields in Germany — _Explicitly stated: 'The playfield...arrives at the factory in a box from JJP's playfield manufacturer, Mirco Playfields in Germany.'_
- [HIGH] JJP maintains two playfield production lines at the Elk Grove Village facility — _Tour description states: 'Two playfield production lines. At the time of our visit only one was in use. The second had been shut down in preparation for the Pinball Expo tour.'_
- [HIGH] Toy Story 4 was in active production during the October 2022 visit — _Multiple references to Toy Story 4 playfields on the production line, including fully populated playfields and completed Collector's Edition units that passed testing._
- [HIGH] Defective playfields are marked as seconds and sold as decorative wall hangings or used for giveaways — _Text states: 'Any which are found to be less than perfect and can't be easily touched-up are marked as seconds and sold as decorative items for wall hanging or used for give-aways.'_
- [HIGH] JJP coin doors vary by region: two slots for North America, one slot for overseas orders — _Caption explicitly states: 'Coin doors have two coin slots for North America but only a single slot for most overseas orders'_

### Notable Quotes

> "The playfield...arrives at the factory in a box from JJP's playfield manufacturer, Mirco Playfields in Germany."
> — **Tour content (Pinball News)**, N/A
> _Reveals JJP's outsourcing strategy for playfield manufacturing to German supplier._

> "While the cabinet and backbox feature title and version-specific artwork and metalwork, these are relatively easy to vary. The basic designs of the cabinet and backbox enclosures don't change."
> — **Tour content (Pinball News)**, N/A
> _Explains why far more resources are devoted to playfield production versus cabinet/backbox production at JJP._

> "Each sub-assembly requires its own parts list, schematic diagram, assembly tools, assembly instructions and testing equipment. Since these have to be made from scratch for every new sub-assembly, if a sub-assembly can be reused in future games it saves a considerable amount of time and resources."
> — **Tour content (Pinball News)**, N/A
> _Indicates JJP's manufacturing efficiency strategy and the value of game-to-game component reuse._

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Boutique pinball manufacturer based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois; operates two playfield production lines and manufactures premium pinball machines including Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, Guns 'N Roses, and Toy Story 4. |
| Eric Meunier | person | Game designer at Jersey Jack Pinball who served as tour guide for Pinball News' factory visit on October 18, 2022. |
| Mirco Playfields | company | German playfield manufacturer that supplies completed playfields to Jersey Jack Pinball for assembly and finishing. |
| Pinball News | organization | Pinball media outlet that conducted and documented the private factory tour of Jersey Jack Pinball on October 18, 2022. |
| 2022 Pinball Expo | event | Major pinball industry event held at Schaumburg Convention Center in October 2022; featured first-ever public factory tour of Jersey Jack Pinball on October 20, 2022. |
| Toy Story 4 | game | Jersey Jack Pinball game in active production during October 2022 visit; available in Collector's Edition variant with 10-inch LCD playfield display (Carnival Game); one of three most recent JJP titles at the time. |
| Guns 'N Roses | game | Jersey Jack Pinball game; one of three most recent JJP titles at the time of October 2022 visit; a one-off Special Edition unit was displayed in reception area. |
| Wizard of Oz | game | Jersey Jack Pinball's first game, displayed in reception area during factory tour as the oldest JJP title in the company's lineup. |
| Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory | game | One of three most recent Jersey Jack Pinball titles as of October 2022, displayed in reception area. |
| Elk Grove Village, Illinois | location | Location of Jersey Jack Pinball's manufacturing facility at 1850 Greenleaf Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Manufacturing process and production workflow, Playfield assembly and sub-assembly manufacturing, Quality control and testing procedures, Supply chain and component sourcing (Mirco Playfields Germany)
- **Secondary:** Factory layout and production line operations, Cabinet, backbox, and playfield assembly integration, JJP's current game lineup (Toy Story 4, Guns 'N Roses production status)
- **Mentioned:** Regional customization (coin door variations)

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.78) — Tour documentation is factual and detailed without critical analysis. Tone is admiring of manufacturing sophistication and organization. No complaints or criticisms expressed. Focus on showcasing JJP's operational competence and attention to detail.

### Signals

- **[business_signal]** JJP operating two playfield production lines with capacity to scale; second line temporarily shut down for Pinball Expo public tour preparation indicates production management flexibility. (confidence: high) — Tour report explicitly states 'two playfield production lines. At the time of our visit only one was in use. The second had been shut down in preparation for the Pinball Expo tour.'
- **[event_signal]** 2022 Pinball Expo marked first-ever public factory tour of Jersey Jack Pinball, indicating shift toward greater community engagement and transparency. (confidence: high) — Tour report states: 'The 2022 Pinball Expo marked several firsts, one of which was the first ever Jersey Jack Pinball factory tour.'
- **[product_concern]** JJP implements rigorous quality control with hand-inspection of arriving playfields, defect marking, fault reporting for recurring issues, and comprehensive electrical/mechanical testing before shipping. (confidence: high) — Multiple references to inspection stations, testing procedures, fault reporting, and playfield rejection/rework processes throughout production line.
- **[supply_chain_signal]** JJP relies on German playfield supplier (Mirco Playfields) for base playfield production, handling assembly and finishing in-house. (confidence: high) — Documented: 'The playfield...arrives at the factory in a box from JJP's playfield manufacturer, Mirco Playfields in Germany.'

---

## Transcript

**Date:** 18th October 2022
**Location:** 1850 Greenleaf Ave.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, USA

The 2022 Pinball Expo marked several firsts, one of which was the first ever Jersey Jack Pinball factory tour. Visitors to the Schaumburg Convention Center on the morning of Thursday 20th October could sign up to join one of the tour groups and be given a free coach ride followed by a guided tour around the Jersey Jack Pinball factory in Elk Grove Village.

Unfortunately, Pinball News was busy on Thursday working away in the Convention Center from 7am to set up the audio and video equipment for the three full days of seminars, and so we weren’t able to be part of that tour.

Thankfully though, the Jersey Jack Pinball team arranged for us to have a private tour two days earlier, with game designer Eric Meunier as our guide.

So, we are pleased to bring you this detailed report from the Jersey Jack Pinball factory.

[![The Jersey Jack Pinball factory in Elk Grove Village](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/001-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x710.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/001-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The Jersey Jack Pinball factory in Elk Grove Village
(picture: Jonathan Joosten)

In the reception area are four JJP titles showcasing the very first game they made – *The Wizard of Oz* – and the three most recent – *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*, *Guns ‘N Roses* and *Toy Story 4*.

[![The four JJP games in the reception area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/002-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/002-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The four JJP games in the reception area

While all were either Limited Edition or Special Edition models, the *Guns ‘N Roses* was even rarer than that.

[![A true one-off](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/090-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x723.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/090-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A true one-off

The reception area is also home to some of the awards won by the company.

[![The awards shelf](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/003-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x659.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/003-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The awards shelf

The first sight we see as we move into the production area is a familiar one from years of taking the Stern Pinball tour.

[![NOW we know we're in a pinball factory](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/004-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x625.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/004-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

NOW we know we’re in a pinball factory

Walking past the lunch heating/eating area we see two playfield production lines. At the time of our visit only one was in use. The second had been shut down in preparation for the Pinball Expo tour which would take place in two days’ time. Red tape was being laid on the floor to indicate the tour route, while exhibits of partially completed playfields were positioned along the tour so guests could see how the components are gradually added.

[![The active playfield production line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/064-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/064-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The active playfield production line

[![The shut-down playfield line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/063-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/063-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The shut-down playfield line

As we have seen at other companies, there are essentially three separate sections of a pinball machine – the playfield, the cabinet and the backbox.

The playfield is by far the more complicated to manufacture. Not only does it have the most individual components, but many of those components are bespoke to each title. Then there are the different versions of that title, each of which may have further variations.

While the cabinet and backbox feature title and version-specific artwork and metalwork, these are relatively easy to vary. The basic designs of the cabinet and backbox enclosures don’t change.

As a result, far more resources and staff are devoted to building up the playfield, which arrives at the factory in a box from JJP’s playfield manufacturer, Mirco Playfields in Germany.

Two titles were in production around the time of our visit – *Toy Story 4* and *Guns ‘N Roses*, although only *Toy Story 4* was actually on the line while we were in the factory.

[![A box of Janos Kiss 'N Roses playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/014-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x716.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/014-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A box of Janos Kiss ‘N Roses playfields

All playfields are hand-inspected to make sure they haven’t picked up any damage during shipping.

[![Playfield inspection](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/015-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/015-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Playfield inspection

Any which are found to be less than perfect and can’t be easily touched-up are marked as seconds and sold as decorative items for wall hanging or used for give-aways.

[![Toy Story 4 playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/018-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x675.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/018-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Toy Story 4 playfields

[![These Toy Story 4 playfields didn't make the grade](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/016-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/016-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

These Toy Story 4 playfields didn’t make the grade

Once they pass inspection, playfields go into racks until they are ready to start their journey down the production line.

[![Racks of playfields ready to hit the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/019-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x671.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/019-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Racks of playfields ready to hit the line

The next stage for a playfield is to have a number of holes drilled so that posts, flatrails (metal ball guides) and T-nuts can be added. These holes also ensure that later mechanisms are mounted in exactly the correct place.

To achieve that, playfields are mounted in a rotisserie which allows the playfield to be easily flipped between the top and the underside, and also makes it easier for them to travel over the production line’s rollers.

[![Two Toy Story 4 playfields in rotisseries](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/035-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/035-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Two Toy Story 4 playfields in rotisseries

[![As each playfield starts on the line its progress is tracked](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/038-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/038-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

As each playfield starts on the line its progress is tracked

[![Hammering in T-nuts to mount posts and assemblies on a Toy Story 4 playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/036-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/036-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Hammering in T-nuts to mount posts and assemblies on a Toy Story 4 playfield

Once the holes are drilled, those posts and flatrails are added to the otherwise-unpopulated playfield.

[![Where the ball posts and flatrails go](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/040-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/040-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Where the ball posts and flatrails go

[![Adding a right orbit flatrail](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/030-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-703x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/030-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Adding a right orbit flatrail

[![Pictures are worth a thousand words, and are also multi-lingual](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/041-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/041-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Pictures are worth a thousand words, and are also multi-lingual

[![More flatrails and guides on racks next to the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/031-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/031-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

More flatrails and guides on racks next to the line

Each station has a set of electric screwdrivers or nut drivers. These are usually suspended above the line on a retracting cord, so they can be pulled down to the playfield when needed.

[![The electric drivers at a workstation](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/032-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/032-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The electric drivers at a workstation

[![Standup and rollover switches are installed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/043-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/043-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Standup and rollover switches are installed

[![Once the switches are added, the worksheet is signed and the playfield moves on to the next station](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/027-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-631x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/027-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Once the switches are added, the worksheet is signed and the playfield moves on to the next station

[![Some stations require soldering to be performed, so these have smoke extraction systems installed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/054-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/054-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Some stations require soldering to be performed, so these have smoke extraction systems installed

[![A pile of pre-made cable looms](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/056-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/056-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A pile of pre-made cable looms

[![More cable looms waiting to be installed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/057-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/057-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

More cable looms waiting to be installed

Adding all the hundreds of parts to a playfield requires great stock control. The stock room at Jersey Jack Pinball is extensive and tightly managed.

[![The stock room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/017-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/017-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The stock room

[![Additional stock is stored on racks outside the stock room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/026-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/026-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Additional stock is stored on racks outside the stock room

[![More common generic parts are more-easily accessed when needed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/029-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/029-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

More common generic parts are more-easily accessed when needed

Besides the regular posts and switches, game-specific mechanisms also need to be installed.

Because they require time-consuming assembly and testing, these sub-assemblies are made at separate workstations behind the production line workers, and then put into racks for the line workers to access.

[![The sub-assembly construction area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/028-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/028-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The sub-assembly construction area

[![A rack of scoops waiting to have their solenoids and other hardware added](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/055-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/055-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A rack of scoops waiting to have their solenoids and other hardware added

Each sub-assembly requires its own parts list, schematic diagram, assembly tools, assembly instructions and testing equipment. Since these have to be made from scratch for every new sub-assembly, if a sub-assembly can be reused in future games it saves a considerable amount of time and resources.

[![The spinning disc workstation](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/052-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/052-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The spinning disc workstation

[![The spinning disc starts with a metal frame and a spinning axle](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/053-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/053-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The spinning disc starts with a metal frame and a spinning axle

[![Spinning disc assembly instructions](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/051-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/051-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Spinning disc assembly instructions

[![A dozen completed spinning disc sub-assemblies](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/049-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/049-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A dozen completed spinning disc sub-assemblies ready to test

[![Even simple devices such as an up-post need to be pre-assembled](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/044-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/044-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Even simple devices such as an up-post need to be pre-assembled and tested

[![The kickback building and testing workstation](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/058-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x700.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/058-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The kickback building and testing workstation

The Duke Caboom jump ramp is a complex mechanism requiring accurate and robust action, while also lying level with the playfield when not activated.

[![The Duke Caboom jump ramp sub-assembly](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/045-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x653.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/045-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The Duke Caboom jump ramp sub-assembly

[![The ramp sub-assembly includes four adjuster posts to ensure the ramp lies flush with the playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/046-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x689.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/046-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The jump ramp sub-assembly includes four adjuster posts to ensure the ramp lies flush with the playfield

[![A partially complete playfield with the Duke Caboom ramp installed but no Gabby Gabby mechanism](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/023-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-645x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/023-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A partially complete playfield with the Duke Caboom ramp installed but no Gabby Gabby mechanism

[![Gabby Gabby pop-up bash toys](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/060-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/060-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Gabby Gabby pop-up bash toys

[![Drop target sub-assemblies](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/048-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x746.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/048-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Drop target sub-assemblies

[![Playfields continue down the line, with more parts added at each station](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/033-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x679.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/033-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Playfields continue down the line, with more parts added at each station

[![More and more parts are added at each station](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/020-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/020-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Adding more to the underside of the playfield

[![Bins of sub-assemblies ready for the line workers to access](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/047-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/047-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Bins of sub-assemblies ready for the line workers to access

[![Line workers take the required parts from the bins behind them](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/021-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/021-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Line workers take the required parts from the bins behind them

While some sub-assemblies can be stacked in storage bins, others are more delicate and require special handling.

[![Powder-coated wireforms are protected against scratches by hanging in racks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/059-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/059-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Powder-coated wireforms are protected against scratches by hanging in racks

[![Carnival Game 10" LCD playfield displays](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/034-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x646.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/034-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Carnival Game 10″ LCD playfield displays for the Collector’s Edition of Toy Story 4

[![A rack of back panels](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/042-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x673.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/042-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A rack of back panels

[![The Carnival Game monitor hooks over the back panel at the rear and also bolts into the playfield at the front](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/069-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/069-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The Carnival Game monitor hooks over the back panel at the rear and also bolts into the playfield at the front

The Star Adventurer illuminated marquee plastic is especially impressive, having dozens and dozens of controllable LEDs to create intricate and attractive patterns.

[![Building the Star Adventurer marquee plastics](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/079-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x673.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/079-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Building the Star Adventurer marquee plastics

[![The LEDs behind the plastic front](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/070-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/070-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The LEDs behind the plastic front

[![Bottom aprons have addition playfield lighting installed, so these have to be assembled too](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/061-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/061-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Bottom aprons have additional playfield lighting installed, so these have to be assembled too

[![Playfields near completion](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/062-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/062-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Playfields near completion

[![The Toy Story 4 playfield is now fully populated](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/073-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x676.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/073-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The Toy Story 4 playfield is now fully populated

[![Once construction is complete, playfields go to be tested](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/066-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/066-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Once construction is complete, playfields go to be tested

[![Checking everything on the playfield works correctly](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/067-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-655x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/067-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Checking everything on the playfield works correctly

[![Testing uses a special version of the regular in-game diagnostics software](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/068-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/068-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Testing uses a special version of the regular in-game diagnostics software

If any electrical or mechanical errors are discovered, the playfield is sent to be fixed and a fault report generated so the problem doesn’t recur.

[![Fixing the problem](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/065-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/065-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Fixing the problem

[![A series of completed Toy Story 4 Collector's Edition playfields which have passed testing](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/071-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/071-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A series of completed Toy Story 4 Collector’s Edition playfields which have passed testing

Meanwhile, the cabinets and backboxes are being fitted with their components. These are simpler to build and are largely the same across different models with the exception of the metal trim and artwork decals.

[![Bare cabinets and backboxes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/013-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x652.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/013-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Bare cabinets and backboxes

[![Adding the cabinet hardware](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/076-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-657x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/076-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Adding the hardware to this Limited Edition cabinet

[![Coin doors have two coin slots for North America but only a single slot for overseas orders](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/075-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x668.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/075-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Coin doors have two coin slots for North America but only a single slot for most overseas orders

[![Adding the speakers, computer, power supply and monitor to the backboxes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/078-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/078-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Adding the speakers, computer, power supply and monitor to the backboxes

The completed cabinet, backbox and playfield are then brought together to make a finished machine.

[![The cabinet, backbox and playfield come together for the first time](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/077-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/077-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The cabinet, backbox and playfield come together for the first time

The game is then tested to make sure all the parts are working together correctly.

[![Final testing](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/086-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x678.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/086-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Final testing

Tested games then have the backglass and playfield glass added before they go to the packing and shipping department, where they are boxed and taken to the loading docks to await collection.

[![Crates of backglasses](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/089-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x643.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/089-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Crates of backglasses

[![The end of the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/087-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/087-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The end of the line

[![Boxed games are sealed and strapped to a pallet](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/088-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/088-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Boxed games are sealed and strapped to a pallet

[![You're going to need lots of palettes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/006-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/006-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

You’re going to need lots of pallets

Two different safety devices are attached to each shipping box. One detects whether the box has been tipped beyond a certain angle or fallen on its side, while the other indicates whether the box had suffered shock from being dropped. These are for the recipient to check before accepting the game from the shipping company.

[![The tip and drop indicators](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/010-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-671x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/010-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The tip and drop indicators

You don’t need these liquid indicators to tell you when some of the more severe damage has occurred, such as having a fork lift’s prongs pushed through the cabinet or the box dropped from a truck. Two games returned to the JJP factory suffered potentially catastrophic damage which may render them unrepairable.

[![A Guns 'N Roses and a Toy Story 4 with severe shipping damage](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/084-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x707.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/084-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

A Guns ‘N Roses and a Toy Story 4 with severe shipping damage

[![Hopefully none of these will suffer the same fate](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/009-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/009-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Hopefully none of these games heading to Pinball Expo will suffer the same fate

[![Toppers are all the craze right now](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/007-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/007-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Toppers are all the craze right now

[![Boxes games waiting to ship](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/011-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/011-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Boxes games waiting to ship

The loading dock isn’t only for outgoing games, of course. Deliveries for the factory also come in through these doors.

[![More rotisseries for the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/012-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/012-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

More rotisseries for the line

Also on the factory floor is the machine shop, where game designers and mechanical engineers can cut and shape metal, wood or plastic pieces, route playfields, or turn items on the lathe. This can be to make prototype pieces, create assembly or test fixtures, cut a whitewood playfield or make adjustments to existing pieces.

[![The machine shop](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/080-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/080-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The machine shop

[![The powerful laser cutter and lathe](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/082-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x676.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/082-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

The powerful laser cutter and lathe

[![These two signs are probably not related](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/083-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x630.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/083-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

These two signs are probably not related

There was one area we couldn’t visit this time, and that’s the room where future games are in development. Maybe next time.

[![Future game development is behind these doors](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/085-jersey-jack-pinball-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/learn/jersey-jack-pinball-tour/085-jersey-jack-pinball-tour.jpg)

Future game development is behind these doors

That concludes our look around the Jersey Jack Pinball factory. We hope you enjoyed seeing how they make their amazing games as much as we did.

It really is a sobering reminder of just how much work goes into mass-manufacturing a pinball machine – far more than most people imagine.

All the workstation set-ups – the tools, parts and documentation – have to be devised for each title. There are numerous custom parts which have to be designed, drawn, ordered, assembled, tested and then installed into the game, with sub-assembly fixtures and test boxes created for each of them.

And, of course, every part in the game has to be in stock ready for production, otherwise everything grinds to a halt.

Huge thanks to Eric Meunier for taking time out of his day to show us around and to Ken Cromwell for making it all happen during a busy pre-Expo time. Thanks also to Steve Ritchie and Mark Seiden for taking us out to lunch afterwards.

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: b89148d0-9722-4c6c-8248-82dfa1ef39d8*