Eye Injury Sparks Electronic Pinball Business

Following a debilitating eye injury that ended his career as an electrician, Andy Dowler, 56, has found a new passion and profession in crafting electronic pinball machines. The incident occurred in his 40s, leaving him with impaired sight in low-light conditions, making his previous work unsafe.

Dowler, originally from Stoke-on-Trent, decided to combine his childhood fascination with arcade machines and his desire for a new career. After numerous design iterations, he successfully created his first electronic pinball machine.

Initially selling the first machine on eBay for a modest price to gather feedback, Dowler was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. This encouragement led him to develop smaller pinball designs, which quickly became so popular that he "couldn't make them fast enough."

These unique machines replicate the experience of traditional mechanical pinball, featuring lights, movement, and vibrations. They are purchased by private buyers, predominantly in the UK, with an average customer age of over 30, seeking nostalgic connections to their youth. A large machine can take up to a month to construct and are priced between £1,500 and £8,000.

Dowler now works from his family's workshop in Tunstall, with his son and 84-year-old father contributing to the business. He views his injury as a turning point, allowing him to pursue a more fulfilling career that brings joy to others, unlike his previous high-risk profession.