Nashville-based United Record Pressing Celebrates 75 Years of Vinyl Excellence

NASHVILLE, TN – September 3, 2024 – United Record Pressing (URP), one of the oldest and largest vinyl record pressing plants in the United States, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1949, the Nashville-based plant has played a key role in the city’s reputation as “Music City,” a title earned for its rich musical heritage and pivotal role in the vinyl record industry.

Originally founded as an offshoot of early Nashville independent label Bullet Records, URP found its first significant success with the Francis Craig Band hit “Red Rose/Near You.” Over the decades, the label has pressed records for a wide range of artists, including The Beatles, Motown legends, punk rockers like Minor Threat, and contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar.

Throughout its history, URP has adapted to changes in the industry, from the heyday of the 45-RPM single to the rebirth of the 12-inch LP. It has also contributed to Nashville’s musical heritage by providing a space for black artists during segregation and accommodating a wide range of musical genres.

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Today, URP continues to innovate, introducing AI-based technologies to enhance production quality and partnering with Sibert Instruments to integrate optical disc technology with vinyl. The recent installation of 24 Pheenix Alpha presses, along with the restoration of 40 historic presses, underscores the company’s commitment to combining tradition with technological advancement.

Sustainability is also a key focus for URP. In 2023, the company became the first North American facility to earn Sony Green Partner certification. Its environmentally friendly practices include using recycled shipping boxes, reusing vinyl waste and using lead-free vinyl, which helps reduce its carbon footprint and support local economies.

The resurgence of vinyl, which grew to $1.4 billion in revenue in 2023, underscores URP’s continued relevance to the music industry. “Our ability to scale for major labels while remaining accessible to independent artists is something we’re very proud of,” said Cam Sarrett, URP’s chief sales and marketing officer. “Despite market fluctuations, we’ve managed to keep our doors open thanks to the creativity of independent artists and the support of their fans.”

About United Record Pressing: Founded in 1949, United Record Pressing is the largest historical vinyl pressing plant in North America, located in Nashville, Tennessee. The company offers comprehensive supply chain capabilities, pressing records for iconic artists for nearly eight decades. With more than 60 presses in a 160,000 square foot facility, URP stands for on-time production, quality control and sustainability. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, URP remains committed to innovation and customer success. For more information, visit www.URPressing.com or connect with URP on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.