United Record Pressing Sees Vinyl Resurgence

United Record Pressing, the oldest vinyl record manufacturer in the U.S., is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in demand for vinyl records, producing up to 80,000 records daily in a factory six times larger than its original facility. Founded in 1949 and historically significant for pressing the Beatles' first U.S. single, the company has adapted through decades of changing music formats, including 8-tracks and CDs. After its purchase by Mark Michaels in 2007, when vinyl was nearly obsolete, the company has seen significant growth, expanding its workforce to 125 employees as vinyl revenues hit $1.4 billion in 2023, marking the 17th consecutive year of growth. This revival is driven by independent artists and retail interest, with vinyl now accounting for 71% of revenues from non-digital music formats. The company's rich history includes its role in the civil rights movement, providing housing for Black artists during segregation. United Record Pressing's evolution reflects the broader trend of vinyl's comeback in the music industry, showcasing its enduring appeal.