Pressed to Perfection at Memphis Record Pressing
When Memphis Record Pressing (MRP) opened its doors in 2014, it was a small operation built for a resurging format. Vinyl was back, but no one could have predicted just how fast demand would accelerate — or how critical packaging would become to meeting it.
Today, MRP processes more than 120,000 records every single day, a leap made possible by automation and a deeply collaborative partnership with Atlantic. Just two years ago, that number hovered closer to 36,000 records per day.
“We were packaging around 36,000 records a day a little under two years ago, and we are able to process upwards of 120,000 records a day here,” says Austin Burk, Memphis Record Pressing packaging and logistics operations manager.
That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when manufacturing meets automation, and when packaging transforms from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage.
From Manual Handling to Fully Automated Flow
For years, vinyl packaging across the industry relied heavily on manual labor. Records were handled by hand, stacked, sleeved, boxed, and prepared for shipment through slow, labor‑intensive processes. While effective at smaller volumes, those systems weren’t designed to scale.
As vinyl demand surged, MRP knew its end‑of‑line packaging process had to change.
Atlantic partnered with MRP to design and install fully integrated, automated packaging lines — transforming what was once a hands‑on workflow into a streamlined, high‑speed operation. The impact was immediate. Production capacity quadrupled in less than two years, without sacrificing quality.
“When we’re looking at a new automation opportunity, we’re certainly going to come here on-site, evaluate current-state production conditions, learn the nuances of those applications, and of course work really collaboratively with the team that’s on-site to understand the ins and outs of everything going on there,” says Nick Ott, Atlantic Packaging equipment specialist.
That collaborative approach proved critical. Automation wasn’t treated as a plug‑and‑play solution, but as a custom‑engineered system designed around MRP’s specific workflows, quality standards, and growth goals.
Why Packaging Precision Matters More Than Ever
While vinyl records will always be first-and-foremost a way to listen to music, they’re also collectibles. From limited-edition pressings to deluxe sleeves and inserts, today’s buyers expect perfection.
A torn sleeve, bent corner, or scuffed jacket can turn a premium product into a return.
Automation ensures each record is handled with the same precision, every time. With fewer touchpoints and greater consistency, MRP’s automated lines dramatically reduce the risk of damage while delivering uniform, repeatable results at scale.
In a market where every detail counts, packaging consistency isn’t just operationally important. It’s brand‑defining.
Beyond Equipment: The Power of Partnership
While cutting-edge equipment played a major role in MRP’s transformation, leadership at MRP is quick to point out that technology alone isn’t the differentiator.
“You can buy equipment from anybody,” says Mark Yoshida, Chief Operations Officer at Memphis Record Pressing. “But the service that is going to come along with the equipment — that’s more important than anything else I can think of. That’s a relationship I’ve always looked for.”
Atlantic’s team provides ongoing technical service, preventative maintenance, and responsive support — ensuring MRP’s lines stay optimized long after installation. In an industry where downtime is costly, that continued partnership is a critical advantage.
Many suppliers can sell equipment. Few stay engaged to ensure it performs flawlessly day after day.
Built to Scale With the Future of Vinyl
Vinyl’s resurgence shows no signs of slowing, and MRP is positioned to grow right alongside it. Automation has reduced dependency on manual labor, improved throughput, and allowed teams to focus on quality, consistency, and system performance rather than repetitive tasks.
With Atlantic as a long-term partner, MRP can continue scaling to meet demand without compromising the craftsmanship collectors expect.
The Bottom Line
Automation has redefined what’s possible at Memphis Record Pressing.
Through a strategic partnership with Atlantic, MRP transformed its packaging operation into a seamless, high‑performance system — one capable of keeping pace with vinyl’s explosive growth while delivering pristine records, every time.