Vinyl record manufacturing company takes on city premises
Start-up business, Vinyl Press UK Ltd, will lease a 2,500 sq ft premises at Monks Cross, – the first pressing plant of its kind in the city of York.
Vinyl Press was established by musical entrepreneurs Lucy Johnson (managing director), Neville Proctor (financial director), and Susie Proctor (director), who saw an opportunity to offer smaller to mid-sized labels with much needed vinyl record manufacturing facilities in the north of England.
The opening of the facility coincides with demand for vinyl records having increased for the 16th year in a row last year, with 6.5 million sold, taking overall sales above £170m.
Vinyl Press has launched with a small team but expects to recruit several more members of staff within the next 12 months as the company’s order book and client roster grows.
The client list already extends into Europe, and the firm has become part of a global network of manufacturers and industry experts.
Its new manufacturing facility produces 7 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch (140g and 180g) records in a range of colours, along with sleeve printing with options for specialist printing techniques and lower cost options for emerging record labels.
Johnson said: “I have been involved in the music industry for over two decades, so we’re happy to see vinyl records enjoying a renaissance in the mainstream and among the younger generations across the UK.
“Since opening the doors to our new pressing facility, we have produced several records of different sizes and colours for a wide range of genres, from drum and bass and jazz, to punk and folk.
“As well as working with established record labels, we’re keen to develop relationships with smaller independent record labels to find ways to make vinyl production more accessible again on a grass roots level.”
Proctor said: “It’s an exciting time to start manufacturing in the music industry.
“Our goal is to establish relationships with our customers and consistently produce high quality records whilst also innovating and exploring the creative possibilities so integral to physical music releases.”
Vinyl Press was advised on the Monks Cross lease by Andrew Jackson Solicitors.
Chris Waterhouse, real estate and property partner at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, said: “Having acted for the Proctor family for over 20 years, it has been particularly pleasing to assist Neville, Lucy and Susie with Vinyl Press and to ensure that their best interests are protected as tenants. I wish them the very best for their new venture.”
