Petaco

Petaco S.A. was established in Barcelona, Spain, in the late 1960s by a local group of entrepreneurs, although precise records of its founding date and principal figures differ among historical sources. The company arose at a time when Spain’s coin-operated amusement industry was flourishing, and Petaco quickly became recognized as a significant national pinball manufacturer alongside counterparts like Playmatic, Recel, and Inder. From the outset, Petaco distinguished itself by fusing Spanish design elements with global pinball trends, carving a loyal niche domestically and within select international markets.

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Throughout the 1970s, Petaco produced a series of electromechanical titles, including “Carioca” (1970) and “Alabama” (1976), which were lauded for their colorful artwork and reliable engineering. As the 1980s dawned, the company attempted to embrace solid-state technology—an ambitious transition that entailed heightened production costs and more complex electronics. Nevertheless, Petaco’s momentum waned in the face of stiff competition from foreign manufacturers and the rapid rise of video arcade games. Despite efforts to remain viable, Petaco ceased production in the mid-1980s, leaving behind a legacy of Spanish-built machines that remain collectible among enthusiasts and serve as testament to the company’s unique blend of art, mechanics, and design philosophy.