United Record Press
category: Vinyl record pressing
Founder: Ozell Simpkins, John Donne, Joe Talbot
Founded: 1949
position: Nashville, Tennessee
Current CEO: Mark Michaels
Representative products:Vinyl Recordscustomized vinyl pressings, and reissue pressings, in a variety of colors and templates
At a glance:
- Founded as Southern Plastics in 1949, the year the smaller 45 rpm record format first appeared, United Record Pressing is now the oldest and largest vinyl record pressing plant in the United States.
- Since then, the company has grown to become one of the largest and most prominent record pressing plants in the world, producing approximately 80,000 records per day.
- United Record Pressing has revolutionized the art of vinyl record manufacturing.
- The company Pressed It features essential albums and singles from a diverse range of music legends, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, Hank Williams Jr., Tammy Wynette, Kanye West, Adele, Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Antebellum and Dolly Parton.
- They also pressed The Beatles' “Please Please Me”/”From Me to You,” the band's first American-produced single.
- United Record Pressing was also known for its community involvement: During the era of racial segregation in the South, United Record Pressing welcomed black musicians and industry executives.
- The industry survived the downturn.
- Demand for records has exploded during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- In 2023, United Record Pressing completed a $10 million expansion, creating 200 jobs.
A Word from CEO Mark Michaels
Over 75 years of history gives you a lot of power in terms of pride. Making the first Beatles record in America, making the first Motown record, accumulating history and know-how doesn't mean you don't have something special. I don't want to ever lose that pride.
There's a generation that has never experienced music as art, and while they may value portability (of downloading), they still want to experience music as art. experience.
I never in a million years thought we would be in the situation we are in today, both as a market and as an industry.
The resurgence of vinyl records is incredible, and at United Record Pressing we are committed to meeting the growing demand with the highest standards of quality and precision. It's an exciting time for music lovers and the industry alike.
“United Record Pressing has always been, and will always be, a Tennessee-based company with a rich history here for over 74 years. We are excited to invest in our expansion in Middle Tennessee and are extremely grateful for the significant support we have received thus far.”
I acquired the company in 2007. It was a lucky coincidence because I'm very passionate about music. But that wasn't why I acquired. I thought this was a good deal and I wanted to build a small, niche business. I never thought records would go away, but I also never thought they'd have the explosive growth that they've had over the last decade.
