United Record Pressing Acquires Bill Smith

Here's a press release from URP announcing the company's acquisition of Bill Smith Custom Records.

Analogplanet did not receive it directly from URP because we probably remain on the company's "do not contact" list.

Why? Because we criticize poor URP pressings and praise good ones. The corporate culture under Chairman and CEO Mark Michaels clearly is thin-skinned. Usually in acquisitions of this sort, both parties make statements praising each other. However, I have to say Kevin Smith's below wins some sort of prize.

UNITED RECORD PRESSING, LLC ACQUIRES CALIFORNIA VINYL RECORD PRESSING OPERATION BILL SMITH CUSTOM RECORDS, INC.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (June 3, 2016) - United Record Pressing, LLC is proud to announce the acquisition of Bill Smith Custom Records, Inc. in El Segundo, CA.

Bill Smith Custom Records has been a leading regional manufacturer of vinyl records for independent record labels and artists on the U.S. West Coast since its founding in 1980. As a part of the transaction the assets of Bill Smith Custom Records will be relocated to United's operations in Nashville, TN.

"I have been privileged to work with many talented artists and wonderful people for almost four decades" said Kevin Smith, president of Bill Smith Custom Records. "I have reached a transition point in my career, and I am pleased to know that our assets and customers will be in the hands of such a passionate and dedicated organization as is United Record Pressing. Their commitment to quality and service resonates with what we have always strived to deliver."

By integrating Bill Smith Custom Records' presses into its 24-hour-per-day operation at United's new modern facility in Nashville, United expects to deliver significant, incremental capacity to a market that is in great need of additional output, while enhancing quality and service for all customers, noted Mark Michaels, Chairman and CEO of United Record Pressing.

"We are thrilled to welcome Bill Smith Custom Records into the United Record Pressing family," said Michaels. "Kevin and his team have done a terrific job serving their customers and caring for their equipment. We look forward to building upon that foundation."

United expects to have the presses running in Nashville by mid-July.

About United Record Pressing, LLC:

United Record Pressing was founded in 1949 in Nashville, TN, and is the largest manufacturer of vinyl records in North America. United is a trusted partner to both major and independent labels and artists around the world. United boasts a storied history of having pressed a variety of influential musical titles, including many of the Motown hits in the 1960's and 1970's. More information about United can be found at United Record Pressing's website.

About Bill Smith Custom Records:

Located in El Segundo, CA, Bill Smith Custom Records has been pressing vinyl records for the past 36 years. The pressing plant was founded by the father and son team of Bill and Kevin Smith.

COMMENTS
gMRfk6LMHn's picture

Now that United have more pressing capabilities their quality will improve. I've already posted here and said that of the last 10-12 United LP pressings I have bought only one or two caused a 'slight' problem. Just want to give credit where it is due.

James, Dublin, Ireland

jimhb's picture

Ugh.. I recently received another terribly pressed United lp. Have they heard of quality control?

BillK's picture

They have, but since stores cannot return defective vinyl for credit and few stores would allow a return for poor sound quality, there's literally zero incentive for United to lower yields by increasing quality.

Plantboy's picture

They should care because at some point people will realize the vinyl they've bought doesn't sound as good as the digital download, and then United will have destroyed a money-making business in one of the last ways people are actually interested in buying a physical product. I hope they aren't too short-sighted on this.

essmeier's picture

Based on that headline, I thought it was a trade, and that perhaps a player to be named later might be involved.

Charlie

grey17's picture

Hmmm ... the release talks about transfer of assets as part of the deal. However the quotes focus on transfer of assets and caring for equipment. On the surface this solely looks to be purchasing of equipment and existing customer contracts. It would have been nice if they had hit on assistance provided to employees losing their jobs (if that is the case). Hopefully this doesn't lead to further price increases.

carl478's picture

How can you tell that an LP is pressed by United?

bagheera74's picture

They will have a U inside a circle or like this (U)

carl478's picture

Learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing.

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