Revolutionizing the test pressing and vinyl pressing processes with world-class manufacturing to meet today’s music industry demands
United Record Pressing Marks 75 Years with Bold Innovations for Vinyl’s Future
IVPR/Maria Ivey, maria@ivpr.com
United Record Pressing (URP), the original vinyl record pressing company in America, celebrates its 75th anniversary with a transformative overhaul of its manufacturing operations. By embracing cellular manufacturing and world-class techniques, URP is setting new standards for quality, speed, and reliability in vinyl production. This not only ensures timely delivery of records to audiences but also positio ns URP as a premier choice for artists and labels currently served by offshore and foreign-owned suppliers.
Since its founding in 1949, URP has been at the forefront of vinyl production, pressing records for iconic albums like Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited, Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, and Outkast’s Speakerboxxx / The Love Below. From the first Beatles 7” to Motown’s greatest hits, URP’s legacy reflects a passion for celebrating music on vinyl. Today, that passion is driving the company into a new era of innovation, geared towards outmatching the efficiency and craftsmanship of global competitors to meet the surging demand for vinyl in the modern music industry.
Modernized Manufacturing to Meet Today’s Needs
URP’s transition to cellular manufacturing marks a significant leap forward in efficiency and quality control. This advanced approach, based on principles pioneered in modern electronics manufacturing, is led by a dynamic team of new and veteran operations leaders. They organized the company’s 24 new pressing machines and 40 restored vintage presses into dedicated cells. This alignment allows URP to handle projects of any size—from large, major label releases to community-oriented indie albums—while reducing lead times, honoring visual creativity, and ensuring consistent quality. Such innovation not only provides a faster and more reliable alternative to non-U.S. production but offers a more attractive option to foreign-owned pressing plants.
Complementing this, URP has invested in programmable, digital, and high-precision technologies to prevent plating issues before they impact production. Collaborations with Sibert Instruments apply optical disc manufacturing precision to the stamper fabrication process and finishing processes, resulting in much faster and better-quality turnaround of test pressings.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Excellence
As a Sony Green Partner, URP prioritizes sustainability. Our commitment includes partnering with industry leaders to advance sustainable practices. We are proud to offer bio-vinyl, an ISCC+ certified, 100% recyclable material that allows artists to produce their records in an environmentally friendly way without compromising quality or record life.
By combining state-of-the-art technology with a steadfast dedication to craftsmanship, URP ensures every record is a sonically pure, visually distinctive, sustainable representation of the artist’s vision.
Legacy Meets Innovation
“United Record Pressing is built on the foundation of honoring music creators and their art,” said Mark Michaels, CEO of URP. “With these advancements, we’re not only preserving the legacy of vinyl but redefining how it serves the music industry. Our mission is to help artists memorialize their music on high-quality vinyl and deliver it to fans quickly and reliably, surpassing what’s offered by international competitors.”
Learn more about URP’s modernized process and legacy of innovation by watching this video and visiting URPressing.com.
About United Record Pressing
Founded in 1949 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, United Record Pressing is North America’s largest and most historic vinyl pressing plant. With over 60 presses and the capacity to produce more than 100,000 records daily, URP is a leader in quality, sustainability, and reliability. From lacquer cutting to pressing, every step of the vinyl production process is handled in-house, ensuring timely delivery and unmatched craftsmanship. Celebrating 75 years, URP remains dedicated to serving music creators and preserving the art of vinyl for future generations. For more updates, follow URP on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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