Today I want to share his stop at the Barrels of Fun factory in Houston, Texas. There Cary spoke with the Company's CEO David van Es. We have seen factory tours of Barrels of Fun before, but this one was particularly interesting because it showed off some of its recent large expansion. With this increased space, Barrels is working on increasing its vertical integration. A large section of the new area was dedicated to woodworking. The Company now produces its own pinball cabinets.
Barrels also has bought a number of high-tech machines that enable it to create prototype parts for the games that it is designing more quickly in the past. It is currently working on the design for its next two pinball machines, after its first game Labyrinth and its current game Dune. Utilizing the new space, Barrels of Fun could theoretically build two different titles at the same time, so when they start building Game #3 all boils down to when it is ready.
In terms of production of its current game, Barrels of Fun just built Dune machine #180. A Dune ordered today directly from the Company would likely ship at the end of October or early November.
Barrels' licenses with IP holders allow it to create and sell toys. It also is looking into selling licensed prints of the art for its games. Look to see something from these initiatives sometime in the next 18 months.
Barrels of Fun is attending the Chicago Pinball Expo. It will have four machines at the event.
Below are links to Cary Hardy's great factory tour video and his Q&A Session with David van Es. Make sure to check them out.
LIVE! Barrels of Fun! Factory Tour!
Live QnA @ Barrels of Fun! with David Van Es
